Bear spotted at rec centre
The City of Kelowna is warning residents and Parkinson Recreation Centre users of a recent bear sighting on the park’s grounds.“Although bears are rare in urban areas, it is not impossible for one to get lost or venture into the city as it looks for food at this time of year,” says Lori Angus, Administration & Finance Manager.
“City staff have notified local conservation officers and are asking customers and neighbours to be cautious.”
People should respect all bears and anticipate and avoid encounters with them whenever possible. Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs.
When encountering a bear, reduce potential conflicts by staying well away from the animal. When possible travel as a group and make noise or carry something that makes noise such as a bell, keys or whistle.
Residents are asked to notify either the Conservation Office at 1-877-952-7277 or the RCMP at 250-762-3300 if they see a bear (911 should be used in the case of an emergency only). If it is during working hours, notify staff at the Parkinson Recreation Centre.
For more information about bear safety, go to this website: env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/misc/bears/bearsaf.html; or for information about the
British Columbia Conservation Foundation Bear Aware program: bearaware.bc.ca or the
Ministry of Environment Bear Smart program env.gov.bc.ca/wld/bearsmart/bearsmintro.html
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