A parked vehicle loaded with garbage drew some unwanted attention in Lower Warfield on Saturday evening, this time, from bears.
Shortly after dinnertime on April 19, a Trail RCMP officer responded to a complaint about a vehicle filled with trash in the 100 block of Haig Street, in the Annable neighbourhood.
The officer found the overflowing garbage was already attracting bears, an increasingly common issue as spring wakes up the local wildlife.
Police contacted the registered owner and instructed them to remove the garbage from the vehicle immediately.
The Village of Warfield was also notified.
Police are reminding residents that bears are out of hibernation and actively searching for food.
“Garbage is a key attractor,” said Sgt. Mike Wicentowich. “Please secure all garbage until the morning of trash collection in your neighbourhood.”
The RCMP stresses that wildlife conflicts can be avoided with some simple precautions.
According to the BC Bear Smart Program, residents should store garbage indoors or in bear-resistant containers until collection day, clean bins regularly to cut down on odours, and never leave food, trash, or pet food in vehicles.
Fruit trees should be maintained by picking fruit as it ripens and clearing fallen fruit from the ground.
Smelly waste should be frozen and only put out on the morning of pickup.
To report a wildlife conflict, call the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.
