With the summer coming to an end, frost is starting to form at higher elevations, killing off berries and other food sources for bears. This change forces bears down to Jasper’s valley bottoms, in a final push for food before winter. This year, the berry crop was poor at low elevations. Although it was better at higher elevations, bears are likely to be actively seeking alternative sources of food, including fruit-bearing trees within the townsite.
Parks Canada reminds all residents and businesses of the need to manage potential bear attractants. Residents can help out by keeping an eye on any fruit trees and berry bushes in their yards, and harvesting the fruit as soon as possible.
Other bear attractants, including grease bins, compost, recycling, garbage and even bird feeders, should also be secured.
If a bear discovers these unnatural food sources and becomes food-conditioned, it becomes a public safety risk, which can ultimately lead to the destruction of the animal.
By understanding bears and their behaviour and taking care not to attract them into town with potential food rewards, visitors and residents can help keep bears wild and alive.
Tips for living with bears and other wildlife:
- Use bear-proof garbage, grease and recycling containers at all times. Ensure they are closed properly and securely latched at all times.
- Keep garbage, grease and recycling containers clean at all times. Check for spills and leaks daily.
- Store compost bins indoors.
- Keep kitchen doors closed.
- Trim or pick fruit off trees where necessary and remove any fallen fruit from the ground.
- Contact Jasper Dispatch at 780-852-6155 to report any bear sightings.
Parks Canada
Special to the Fitzhugh
