Surrey RCMP receives several reports of bear or cougar sightings annually.
The high season for sightings is generally mid-summer to mid-fall. Fortunately, most wild animals shy away from human contact, however some animals can be overcome with the desire to locate our garbage and some lose their fear of humans when no attempts are made to scare them away. The Surrey RCMP works in partnership with the Conservation Officer Service of the Ministry of the Environment to ensure the well-being of the animal and the safety of the public.
To reduce the likelihood of encountering a bear or cougar in your neighborhood, consider the following steps:
· Keep garbage inside until pick up day.
· Don’t add meat products or cooked food to compost. Turn your compost regularly and keep it covered.
· Pick ripe and fallen fruit daily; remove unused fruit trees.
· Use bird feeders only in winter and keep ground free of seeds.
· Clean BBQ grill after each use and store covered in a secure place.
· Bring pet dishes inside and store pet food indoors.
If you see a bear or cougar in your neighborhood, take the following precautions:
· Remain calm; the animal may just be passing through the area.
· Stay away from the animal and warn others to keep away. Children and pets should be brought inside.
· Call the Conservation Officer Service on their 24 hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277); do not attempt to solve a wild animal conflict yourself. If a life is in danger, call 9-1-1.
When a wild animal call is made, the Conservation Officer Service works in partnership with the RCMP to resolve the situations safely. The Conservation Officer Service is the expert when it comes to dealing with dangerous wildlife that poses a threat to public safety. They do not attend for routine sightings or normal behavior such as animals transiting through a green belt or forested area.
For more information on your local Conservation Officer Service and reporting human wildlife conflicts, visit the Ministry Of Environment website.