Town officials hope new bylaw will deter increasing bear activity in Canmore
A grizzly bear eats buffalo berries in this handout photo from Parks Canada.Officials in Canmore say there has been increased bear activity around the Alberta town as the animals search for food before winter — and are hoping a new bylaw will help to discourage it.
Miller said residents can also be fined for letting fruit accumulate on their properties, and are restricted from leaving wildlife attractants like food outside. Entry-level fines are $250 and can go up to $10,000. But the educational component comes first, Miller said.That means helping people understand that food sources such as barbecues and pet foods can attract an unwanted visitors, Miller said.Big draws for wildlife can include choke cherries, crab apples, mountain ash berries and buffalo berries, Caitlin Miller said.
"Often when wildlife come into town or get too close to people, they pay the price by getting relocated or destroyed," said Nick de Ruyter, program director at WildSmart.