Urban Wildlife

Being so close to thriving natural ecosystems, Kimberley shares its urban environment with wildlife big and small. That means we need to be mindful of potential conflicts between humans and wildlife. 

WildSafeBC

The City of Kimberley is a local sponsor of the WildSafeBC program, designed to reach out to and educate residents and visitors on how to reduce conflicts with wildlife including bears, cougars, coyotes, deer, turkeys, racoons and other wildlife. Keeping the community safe is a shared responsibility - from proper management of garbage, compost, fruit trees and other food sources to protecting pets, children and the community from agressive animals. 

WildSafeBC hosts community events, shares information and offers advice on wildlife safety and attractant management. For more information, please contact the Kimberley/Cranbrook WildSafeBC Community Coordinator by email at kimberley@wildsafebc.com

Urban Deer

In an effort to improve public safety and discourage deer within City limits, Council for the City of Kimberley have enacted a bylaw with prohibits the feeding of deer within City limits.

It is important to note that doe's are often defensive in June during fawning season and bucks may be agressive in November during rutting season. If you have concerns about or have experienced a conflict with urban deer, please call the appropriate office:

  • to report wildlife-human interaction where there is immediate public safety risk, call 1-877-952-7277 (Conservation Officer Service - Report All Poachers and Polluters RAPP 24-hours hotline)
  • To report a dead deer on City property, please call City Operations at 250-427-9660
  • To report an injured deer, please call 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) line

For more information view the City of Kimberley Managing for the Future document. 

Bears

People and bears are sharing space all over British Columbia so it's importantthat we learn how to live with them harmoniously.

Bears have a keen sense of smell and are easily attracted to improperly managed garbage. Bears that forage on easily accessible fruit are also drawn close to neighbourhoods and to other sources of food such as compost, bird feeders and barbeques. Bears may break into sheds or homes to find what they can smell from a distance. Bears quickly become habituated to these foods and spend more time near homes and businesses. Habituated bears are perceived safety risk and are often shot.

Bears cannot change their behaviour - but we can. We can prevent this safety risk and the needless deaths of bears by removing and managing attractants. 

Garbage is not healthy for bears. When bears learn that garbage means food, they come back to it again and again. 

The City of Kimberley's Solid Waste Rates & Regulations Bylaw No 2694, Amendment No. 2 2023, Bylaw No. 2750 requires that all garbage be safely stored so it is not accessible by wildlife. Store garbage and recycling indoors, in a sturdy shed or in a bear resistant garbage container. Garbage and recycling carts should be brought to curb only on the morning of your designated pick-up day by 7:00 am but not before 5:00 am. 

Compost responsibly and pick all ripe fruit. 

Bears are omnivores and love eating vegetation, berries and other fruits. Make sure your back yard isn't providing lunch for bears! Here are ways to handle other attractants:

  • Pet food - please store food and feed pets indoors
  • Freeze smelly garbage
  • Keep your barbeque clean
  • Remove bird feeders between April and November
  • Pick fruit as it ripens
  • Compost responsibly
  • Keep garbage carts and containers clean

Feeding bears, even unintentionally, is against the law in British Columbia. See the Dangerous Wildlife Protection Act - Section 88.1 for more information. 

Report bear encounters to 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP)

 


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