WILDLIFE AWARENESS

Credit: Camus Photography

When traveling through Stewart and Hyder, please be aware that there is wildlife all around us. Here are a few tips to keep yourself and the wildlife safe. Please respect all bears and their space – they can be dangerous.

Few safety tips:

• Never approach a bear.
• Never attempt to feed a bear.
• Never surprise a bear.
• Make a lot of noise (talk or sing) and avoid hiking alone.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Carry bear spray and be able to access it quickly.
• Keep pets on leash and don't let them approach a wildlife.

If you encounter a bear:

• Remain calm.
• Do not run or climb a tree.
• Slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice.
• Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, kneel down or make direct eye contact.

For more information, watch this Staying Safe in Bear Country video.

More resources:

Take the time to learn about bears for your safety and how to avoid encounters. Please visit the following links:

• Staying Safe Around Wildlife- Bears 
• Black Bear Safety
• Grizzly Bear Safety
• Other Wildlife Safety

Report Wildlife Conflicts:

BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

Garbage in Bear Country and Dumpster Locations

For safety reasons, DO NOT leave garbage or non-bear proof garbage cans outside. 

We do ask that you use the garbage bins at your camp site, or one of our many community garbage bins to dispose of your garbage. Garbage, organics and recycling left outside allow bears to become habituated to humans and associate a food reward with human activity, which can lead to more conflicts.

Help keep our community safe!

Here is a map of the locations of our community bins and the main dumpster: