Residents are reminded to secure their garbage and other bear attractants.
Saanich police issued a warning Tuesday morning of a bear accessing garbage in the 2800 block of Queenswood Drive, just east of the University of Victoria campus.
“A reminder to residents to secure your garbage so that it doesn’t become an attractant,” Saanich police saidin a social mediapost.
If you spot a black bear, police recommend that you remain calm and back away from the animal slowly. Call the B.C. Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 or your local police department if necessary.
The latest sighting of a black bear follows several others in Saanich and the surrounding region over the past several weeks.
Last week, a bear was spotted rummaging through garbage in the Elk Lake area around Santa Clara Avenue and Piedmont Drive.
The provincial government offers a the followingwildlife safety tipson what to do if you see a bear:
• Do not feed bears.It’s against the law to feed dangerous wildlife.
•Remain calm.Do not run or climb a tree. Slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, kneel down or make direct eye contact.
•Keep away from the bear.Do not try to get closer to it. If the bear gets too close, use pepper spray (within seven metres) or something else to threaten or distract it.
•Stay together.If you are with others, act as a group. Keep children close – pick up and carry small children.
•Go indoors.Bring pets indoors if possible.
•Watch the bear until it leaves.Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. After the bear is gone and it’s safe, make sure there is nothing in the area that will attract bears back again.
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