The Conservation Officer Service (COS) responded to a report of a bear gaining access to a house through a screened window and obtaining food reward.

Although we are starting to experience warmer weather, please ensure windows and doors are secure so wildlife cannot enter properties. For sliding windows, consider blocking them inside from being opened further than approximately 15cms. Close and lock windows and doors on the ground floor when you are not home.

This is an important reminder to residents and visitors that bears have an extremely good sense of smell and may be enticed to homes with windows and doors open by the smells of cooking, also BBQs, citronella candles and other attractants. We must manage attractants correctly to help keep people safe and our bears wild.

Please report sightings of bears around properties to COS on the RAPP line: 1 877 952 7277.

For more information visit: whistler.ca/bears