RMOW has issued a bear alert after report of a black bear who bluff charged a person in the Alpine Meadows neighbourhood on April 11.
However, no contact was made.
RMOW is reminding the community that Whistler’s bears are waking up and they are hungry, which means it’s time for a spring clean of any attractants from around our homes and cars. Common attractants include garbage, bird feeders, compost and pet food. Even recycling, paint cans, citronella and sunscreen have strong smells that can attract bears.
In February, RMOW issued a wildlife alert after a black bear walked towards trail users in the Lost Lake park area. The group was out with their medium-sized, leashed dog on the White Gold Traverse during an afternoon walk when the incident happened. The bear was not deterred by the dog or yelling, and walked head down within a couple of metres of the people, circling behind them.
Locals are asked to report bear sightings in residential areas by phoning the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) at 1-877-952-7277. Whistler Conservation Officers are notified daily about sightings and immediately in emergencies.