Care About Bears and Be a Bear Smart Champion

Release Date

April 1 marks the start of Bear Smart season, and the City is reminding residents to care about bears and remember that simple actions can help reduce human-bear conflict and save a bear’s life.

“Unmanaged attractants can draw hungry bears into neighbourhoods as they emerge from hibernation,” said Danielle Sparks, the City’s Environmental Services Supervisor. “The mismanagement of wildlife attractants leads to the needless destruction of bears. The goal of the City’s Bear Smart program is to encourage practices that help keep bears and people safe.” 

Help keep our community and local bear population safe by doing the following:

  • Properly manage your solid waste. If possible, store meat and strong-smelling food scraps in the freezer or in an airtight container and transfer them to your cart on collection day.
  • Keep pet food and containers indoors.
  • Keep your BBQ clean.
  • Remove bird feeders between May and November and clean up any spilled bird seed.
  • Pick fruit trees as soon as the fruit ripens and clean up fallen fruit.
  • Manage backyard composters properly. Do not compost animal products, such as meats, greases, and dairy.   

Under the Solid Waste, Recyclables, and Organics Bylaw, residents must ensure that solid waste carts are stored securely and made inaccessible to wildlife—either by storing them in an enclosed structure, like a garage or shed, or by using a bear-resistant cart. Bylaw infractions may result in a $100 fine. 

Bear-resistant carts are available on an as-requested basis. These carts are available for organics carts and two sizes of garbage carts, at an additional cost of $20 per cart per year. To learn more and request a bear-resistant cart, visit Kamloops.ca/BearCarts.

NEW Be a Bear Smart Champion! Take the Pledge to Help Keep Kamloops Safe for Bears and People

Kamloops is proud to be a Bear Smart community. By taking the Bear Smart Champion pledge, you're committing to help reduce human-bear conflict and keep both people and bears safe. 

The Bear Smart Champion recognition program runs from April 1 to November 30, in alignment with Bear Smart season and Solid Waste, Recyclables, and Organics Bylaw regulations. Take the pledge to show your commitment to maintaining a safe, bear-friendly community. Participants will receive a Bear Smart Champion sticker and be entered in a draw to win a Yeti cooler.

To learn more and to take the Bear Smart Champion pledge, visit Kamloops.ca/BearSmart.