Living with Bears in Port Coquitlam

If you’ve lived in Port Coquitlam for a while, chances are you’ve heard stories (or maybe even seen it yourself) of a bear wandering through someone’s yard, climbing into a fruit tree, or tipping over a garbage cart. It’s not unusual; our city is surrounded by nature, and that means sharing space with wildlife, including black bears.

While it can be exciting to see one up close, it’s also a reminder that these animals are just looking for food. And when they find it in our neighborhoods, it can put both them and us at risk.

Why Bears Visit Our Neighborhoods

Bears are smart, curious, and have an incredible sense of smell. A ripe apple tree, an overflowing green cart, or even leftovers on the barbecue can be like a dinner invitation for them. Once a bear discovers an easy meal, it will likely come back and even teach its cubs to do the same. Over time, this makes them less afraid of people, which can lead to dangerous situations.

Simple Ways We Can Help

The good news is, a few small changes at home can make a big difference:

• Keep garbage and green carts secure. Store them in a garage or shed if you can, and only roll them out on collection day (early in the morning, not the night before).

• Deal with smelly food scraps. Freeze items like meat or fish until collection day to keep strong scents from attracting unwanted visitors.

• Clean up after outdoor meals. Scrub the barbecue, take in pet food, and put away anything that might smell tasty to a bear.

• Take care of fruit trees. Harvest ripe fruit right away, and don’t let fallen apples or plums pile up on the ground.

• Skip bird feeders in bear season. From spring to late fall, they can be a magnet for bears.

By doing these things, we not only protect our neighborhoods we also help keep the bears safe in their natural environment.

What To Do If You See Bears in Port Coquitlam

If you happen to cross paths with a bear, don’t panic. Most of the time, they’d rather avoid us. Here are a few quick tips:

• Stay calm, speak in a steady voice, and slowly back away.

• Never run; this can trigger a chase.

• If you’re out on the trails, make noise, leash your pets, and keep kids close.

A Community Effort

Living in PoCo means being close to both city life and the wild. It’s one of the things that makes our community so special. By working together, keeping waste secure, picking fruit, and knowing how to respond when we see a bear, we can make sure our city stays safe for everyone, people and wildlife alike.

For more information on bears in Port Coquitlam and how to be “bear aware,” visit the City’s official page here: portcoquitlam.ca/bears