What are some of the issues around wildlife conflicts in Bonnington? -Bears (in the summer) attracted to garbage, compost, fruit trees, and livestock. -Ungulates (deer, elk, moose), mainly in the winter (it's their winter range) are attracted to fruit trees, ornamentals, and grassed areas. This brings the predators - cougars and coyotes - which leads to safety issues for humans. -Birds live in wildlife trees and in our neighbourhood they aren't safe pet cats! -Wildlife trees (trees that provide habitat or food for wildlife) are important resources for all kinds of wildlife. We need to protect these trees! Why should we care about wildlife conflicts? -Saves tax dollars if we reduce bear/other wildlife conflicts (each time a Conservation Officer responds to a complaint it costs you as a taxpayer $400 to deal with the problem) -Reducing wildlife conflicts decreases risk to human, pet, and wildlife safety -If we leave their wild habitat intact they won’t seek refuge in our buildings and vehicles -Less wildlife conflicts might mean a decrease in the number of animals and people/vehicles damaged on the roads -Fewer conflicts means our crops will be safer from attack What can we do about wildlife conflicts? For bears - secure your garbage, do not put out for pick up the night ahead, consider household bear proof garbage containers - at a cost of approximately $210.00 (see websites below). Ensure your compost is always covered with dirt, grass clippings, leaves so odor is kept to a minimum. Also you can try a loan of electric fencing from a Bear Aware program to see if it would work in your situation (see websites below). For excess fruit or vegetables that you cannot use, but don't want to leave out to attract wildlife contact Harvest Rescue at 250-551-8343 or email: harvestrescue@gmail.com to arrange harvest by them.
For ungulates - use electric fencing and burlap to protect your ornamentals. Keep your dogs under control so they don't chase ungulates. Doing this will also ensure your pet's safety from ungulate predators such as cougars and coyotes. Keeping your dogs under control means knowing their whereabouts at all times and keeping them on a leash or under your command when on walks. For birds - Consider putting a bell on your cat's collar to warn birds of its approach.
For wildlife trees – maintain wildlife tree habitats for the animals (ie: don’t chop down for firewood) , mark wildlife trees with signs if you are concerned the tree might be removed (contact Mike Knapik for signs 250-359-2924. Where can I get more information? -Kootenay Bear Smart Society http://www.bearsmart.com/Kootenay -Daniel Sherrod 250-358-2333 daniels@vws.org for household bearproof garbage cans -Evelyn Kirkaldy 250-359-6611 eekbears@hotmail.com for electric fencing -Bear Aware for bear resistant household garbage can information http://www.bearaware.bc.ca/ -Joanne Siderius Nelson, Area E and F Bear Aware Coordinator 250-825-9585 bearaware@netidea.com for electric fencing (loan), bear education, and bearproof garbage cans (loan) -Mike Knapik 250-359-2924 mike.knapik@gov.bc.ca for wildlife tree signs -Tom Brach 250-359-7602 for fence post pounder rental in our neighbourhood (lives in upper Bonnington) -Harvest Rescue 250-551-8343 harvestrescue@gmail.com -For electric fencing information http://margosupplies.com -For bear proof garbage cans http://www.rollinsmachinery.ca or http://www.rollinsmachinery.ca/SSI%20Schaeffer.htm |
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