Police respond to bear calls in Rosemont; NPD issues warning to residents
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson Police want to get the message out to the public regarding the safe disposal of garbage ahead of “bear season” in the Heritage City.
The public notice comes after officers were called to the Rosemont area two nights in a row to a report of a large black bear that has been visiting a tree in a residential backyard.
As a result of the calls, NPD would like to remind the public to seal and store their household garbage appropriately.
“Under the City of Nelson Waste Management and Wildlife Attractant Bylaw 3198, Wildlife Attractant means any substance that could be reasonably expected to attract wildlife including but not limited to food products, garbage, pet food, seed, restaurant grease, game meat, or glass or metal wear or any other item having contained food,” said NPD Sergeant Dino Falcone in a written press release.
“Contravention of this bylaw could net a homeowner a fine not exceeding $2000.”
Falcone said further information can be found on the City of Nelson Bylaw website or by calling Nelson Bylaw at 250-354-3919.
Information found on the Bear Aware, B.C. Ministry of Environment website said from 2004 – 2009 Conservation Officers in British Columbia had to kill, on average, 538 black bears and 37 grizzlies each year because of real or perceived threats to human safety.
Most of these bears come into conflict with people because they are allowed to access non-natural food sources.
Falcone said Nelson Police Officers were dispatched to over 20 bear incidents in 2012.
Anyone coming across a bear in the City of Nelson, should contact the Nelson Police or the Conservation Officer at 1-877-952-7277.
