Black bears are back in Agassiz-Harrison – Agassiz-Harrison Observer

Sign In
Subscribe Now
The last of the late-sleeping black bears in Agassiz-Harrison are waking up and smelling the coffee – among other things. 
Day after day, local social media feeds are filled with warnings that the local black bear population is out, about and in search of food, particularly in the Harrison Hot Springs area. 
Black bears have been the subject of most wildlife calls throughout the Fraser Valley Regional District, the result of the bears foraging for food in residential or business areas when they are attracted to potential food sources such as garbage, compost, pet food and bird feeders. The Conservation Officer Service handles approximately 14,000 to 25,000 black bear calls per year throughout the country. 
Ideally speaking, garbage containers should be bear-resistant and stored in a secure area until pickup day. WildSafe B.C. recommends residents freeze particularly smelly items before they are thrown away on collection day.
Locally, officials have taken action to help curb human-bear encounters. In December 2024, Harrison Hot Springs officials directed village staff to update the village’s waste collection and disposal bylaw to better prevent human-bear conflicts. After extensive discussion, council adopted an amendment to the village’s waste management bylaw in April. The amendment states no garbage should be put to the cub prior to 5 a.m. on collection day. 
Last November, Harrison’s council voted to have staff investigate Bear Smart policies for the village and speak with the District of Kent regarding their experiences with the program. However, given the small number of human-bear conflicts reported in the area, a full Bear Smart Program would not be justified. 
Bears can sometimes be seen on local trails. To keep safe, WildSafe B.C. offers some tips, including: 
Though black bears are often spotted particularly in the Harrison area, there have been only two bears killed by conservation officers between 2015 and 2022. 
WildSafe B.C. states there are approximately 120,000 to 150,000 black bears throughout B.C. – one of the highest concentrations of black bears in the world. 
Wildlife conflicts should be reported to B.C. Conservation officers via their RAPP (Report All Poachers and Polluters) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
About the Author: Adam Louis
Dialogue and debate are integral to a free society and we welcome and encourage you to share your views on the issues of the day. We ask that you be respectful of others and their points of view, refrain from personal attacks and stay on topic. To learn about our commenting policies and how our community-based moderation works, please read our Community Guidelines.

source