MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - The Mountain View BearSmart Society has reported on the first grizzly bear spotted in the district this spring.
“A grizzly bear was photographed by a trail camera west of Bearberry on April 27,” said the society's Jane Bicknell.
Officials are advising residents and visitors to the district to exercise caution.
“There is very little natural plant foods growing just yet and the bears will be hungry, so remember, if you don't want a bear in your yard then don't provide it with a meal,” she said.
“For those of us that live in bear country – in a town or village, on an acreage or a farm – now is the time to look around your residence and outbuildings to make sure there is nothing outside to attract a hungry bear: no garbage - no bird seed feeders - no pet food – clean the BBQ – no recycling - no grain - check that fences (preferably electrified) around calving areas, chicken coops, bee hives, deadstock, etc are secure and working.”
Everyone should be “extra alert and vigilant when outdoors now that bears are coming back out on the landscape – carry your bear spray. Stay safe out there,”she said.
A couple cougars were also captured by trail cameras west of Coal Camp Road on April 27.
As a not-for-profit, the society works to promote bear and wildlife awareness through education, public information, and notification system and works in collaboration with residents, tourists, industry, and government agencies to achieve its goals, say officials.
