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By Pete McIntyre

private & public land

Feeding wildlife not allowed in Vernon, bear sightings in Coldstream

Apr 21, 2024 | 10:00 AM

It’s an annual reminder — but one that many residents still may not be aware of.

The City of Vernon has issued a news release, advising residents and visitors that feeding wildlife in the city is prohibited.

That includes on private properties, and in public, such as in parks and along creeks.

“The Animal Regulation and Animal Pound Bylaw #5252 prohibits a person from feeding or attempting to feed any wildlife or placing an attractant that could attract wildlife to a property. This includes regulations that prohibit leaving, placing or providing an attractant in a manner that could attract wildlife or feral animals,” the City of Vernon said in a news release.

The rules are designed to reduce unintended negative consequences to wildlife, minimize damage to private property by animals, and lessen the potential for human-wildlife conflict.

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The city didn’t mention anything about enforcement of the rules in its news release.

Property owners are reminded to ensure that:

• Any fruit or nuts from a tree, bush or shrub is maintained and stored in such a manner so as not to attract wildlife;
• Any bird feeder containing bird feed, suet or nectar is suspended on a cable or other device in such a manner that it is inaccessible to wildlife; and the area below any bird feeding devices or activity is kept free of accumulations of seeds and similar attractant;
• Any composting activity is carried out and any composting device or equipment is maintained in such a manner that it is inaccessible to wildlife;
• Barbecue equipment and tools that remain outside must be clean and free of residual food or grease;
• Any refrigerator, freezer, storage container or similar appliance, device or apparatus that contains attractants of any type, if placed or located outdoors, is located and equipped in such a manner that it is inaccessible to wildlife; and
• Any grease, antifreeze, paint or petroleum product is stored in such a manner that it is inaccessible to wildlife.

The District of Coldstream is also asking its residents to do their part to reduce wildlife encounters with bears and other wildlife. With the warmer weather, bears are coming out of hibernation and bear sightings have increased.

The District’s Wildlife Feeding and Attractant Regulations Bylaw, aims to reduce wildlife conflict by preventing access to human derived food sources.

“Managing our outdoor living space responsibly helps reduce the number of human wildlife interactions that occur. Minimizing human-wildlife interactions helps wildlife populations thrive in the wild and reduces destruction of animals,” a district news release stated.

What you can do:

1. Store your garbage indoors or otherwise in a durable, rigid receptacles that are fitted with covers that are inaccessible to wildlife.
2. Ensure refuse containers are only set out on the designated day of collection between 5:00 am and 7:00 p.m.
3. Do not feed or attempt to feed wildlife such as deer or bear.
4. Keep the exterior of your property clear of any food products or food containers, and ensure your compost is kept in an enclosed, rigid container that is inaccessible to wildlife.
5. Ensure that any refrigerators or freezers that are stored outdoors are inaccessible to wildlife.
6. If your pet food is stored outdoors, ensure it is kept in a secure, wildlife-resistant container.
7. Clean the barbecue after use – don’t forget the grease trap!
8. Remove any fruit from your fruit trees that has fallen to the ground.
9. Keep birdfeeders suspended in a manner that is inaccessible to wildlife and keep the ground under birdfeeders clear of seeds.
10. Ensure your animals, backyard hens and backyard bees are reasonably inaccessible to wildlife.
11. Report all wildlife to the Provincial Report all Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.

Visit the District’s website for information relating to garbage collection and refuse regulations, prohibited and required actions in Coldstream, how to report a wildlife conflict or bylaw infraction, and much more! Please visit https://www.coldstream.ca/node/774.