A homeowner in Squamish, British Columbia, has found a unique way to deter bears from rummaging through his garbage bins. Stephen Fryer, residing in the Brackendale neighborhood, has been facing frequent bear encounters due to their search for food sources at lower elevations following drought and wildfires affecting their natural habitats.
To prevent the bears from accessing his outdoor bins, Fryer initially reinforced them with a bolt and strap attached to his house. However, this method proved ineffective as the bears managed to dismantle the setup. Subsequently, inspired by his wife’s suggestion to set up Halloween decorations early, Fryer placed a motion-activated zombie on top of the bins.
The motion-activated zombie successfully startled the bears, with Fryer mentioning that one bear was frightened to the point of urinating. Surveillance footage captured the bears being deterred by the Halloween decoration, effectively keeping them away from the garbage bins.
In the broader context of bear management in Squamish, there has been an increase in bear-human conflicts, leading to the issuance of 90 tickets related to wildlife attractant bylaws in the area. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) has reported a rise in black bear sightings at lower elevations, attributing it to diminished food sources at higher altitudes.
Notably, there have been concerns raised by advocates regarding the necessity of lethal measures against bears entering public spaces. Calls for improved security measures and non-lethal options to manage bear encounters have been voiced by organizations such as the North Shore Black Bear Society and The Fur-Bearers. These advocates emphasize the importance of preventing bear access to human-populated areas to minimize conflicts and potential harm to both humans and bears.