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Be bear smart

It is the time of year when bears come out of hibernation and other wildlife become more active in British Columbia.

It is the time of year when bears come out of hibernation and  other wildlife become more active in British Columbia. Those animals that have become conditioned to non-natural food sources, like garbage or  composts, will return to communities to help themselves.

Hibernating bears cut their metabolic rates in half in order to survive  long winters without eating. These bears come out of their winter sleep hungry and search for food. Other wildlife, like young cougars, travel  widely to search for unoccupied territory, which can lead to increased encounters with people.

These animals can also be inexperienced hunters  and are more likely to seek out alternative prey.

The most effective and natural way to prevent conflicts with wildlife in urban areas is to put away food attractants like garbage, birdseed, compost, pet food and fruit. Communities where attractants are managed  properly have seen a decline in related human-wildlife conflicts and in the number of animals that have to be destroyed.

The public is encouraged to report human-wildlife conflicts that threaten public safety or result in significant property damage by calling the  Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line, toll-free at 1 877 952- 7277 (RAPP).

Quick facts:

• It's important that you know what to do when you encounter wildlife like bears, cougars, coyotes and wolves in urban areas.

• It's essential to remain calm and never approach the animal.

• Always keep the animal in front of you (never turn your back) and back away slowly (never run).

• Make yourself look as large as possible by waving your arms above your head. Make loud noises, shout at the animal in a loud, aggressive voice  or bang pots and pans and throw objects, like rocks and sticks.

• If possible, bring children and pets indoors.

• The Conservation Officer Service is the primary responder to human- wildlife conflicts where there is a risk to public safety, conservation  concerns or where significant property damage has occurred.

• In 2012-13, the Conservation Officer Service received 25,184 calls  regarding human-wildlife conflicts. Of those calls, 15,833 involved  human-bear conflicts. Over the past five years in B.C., an average of 600  black bears have been destroyed each year, while 93 have been relocated  due to conflicts with people.