Bear Sightings Increase As Hibernation Looms

With the recent spate of bear sightings in the city, Merritt residents are once again being encouraged to become proactive in keeping the furry creatures preparing for hibernation, out of residential garbage.

Over the past few weeks social media has exploded with dozens of photos of bears well within the city limits.

The TNRD’s Andrew Roebbelen told Q101 that residents should take extra steps to keep their property free of unwanted guests. He stressed that garbage should be put out on the morning of garbage pickup rather than overnight and those residents who fail to comply could face fines.

“This past summer’s wildfires has forced many animals such as deer and bears out of their normal habitat in search of food.” Roebbelen added. “Unfortunately that means we are seeing more animals venture deeper into the City of Merritt and that could be dangerous.”

Since 2015, City of Merritt residents have been restricted from putting their trash on the curb before the morning of pick up, and businesses have been forced to keep the lids on their bins closed, to prevent bears from entering city limits.

Roebbelen noted that bears travel miles in search for food and if they find it in urban areas such as the within city limits, they will return year after year causing a huge problem.

He also reminded residents that fruit and vegetables from trees and gardens should be picked and anything rotten should be placed in a secure composter.