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Bears and Wildlife

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Phone: 311
Fax: 250-561-7724

City of Prince George
1100 Patricia Blvd.
Prince George, British Columbia
V2L 3V9

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Osprey hunting along the Nechako River in Prince George

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Bears accustomed to eating garbage in urban areas might sometimes delay hibernation because of plentiful food sources. Be Bear Smart and keep your property and bears safe.



Bear-Proof Your Home and Community


Every year an average of 35 bears are destroyed in Prince George when they become used to unnatural food sources like garbage or fruit grown in gardens.

For more information:

  • Download the Learn to Be Bear Smart flyer [PDF]
  • Download the Bear Smart Park Audit [PDF]

Bear Aware Sign


Bear Aware poster


Bear Smart Community

Prince George is working in partnership with the B.C. Conservation Office Service, the Fraser-Fort George Regional District, the Province of B.C., and the Northern Bear Awareness Society to become a designated Bear Smart community.

The City introduced 300 bear-resistant garbage carts to a neighbourhood in the Hart and are looking at other ways to help make Prince George a safe Bear Smart community.

  • Download the Bear Smart Status Implementation 2019 Update [PDF]
  • Download the Bear Resistant Cart Project Notice [PDF]


Avoid Human-Bear Conflicts


  • Set your garbage cart at the curb between 4:00am and 7:00pm on collection days. Failing to follow this bylaw regulation will result in a $300 fine.
  • Lock your garbage cart in an enclosed structure like a garage or shed where possible.
  • Secure your garbage cart with a locking mechanism such as a flat hook cam strap.

Bear Smart Tips


  • Avoid growing fruit-bearing trees or plants on your property and remove any ripe fruit and vegetables.
  • Clean outdoor barbecues and grease traps regularly.
  • Feed pets indoors and remove bird feeders during the spring to autumn months.
  • Rinse out all recycling materials.

Stay Safe in Bear Country


  • Make noises and speak loudly when walking or biking to alert bears in the area.
  • Travel in a group whenever possible.
  • Use officially marked trails and only hike or bike during daylight hours.
  • Keep pets on leashes at all times, even in off-leash areas as bears can become aggressive if they mistake unleashed dogs as predators.

If You See a Bear...


  • Maintain a safe distance, especially if it is a mother bear and her cubs.
  • Stop, remain calm, and do not face away, scream, or run.
  • Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
  • Report an aggressive bear or injured animal to the Conservation Officer Service through the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277).

Bear Smart Bylaws


City bylaw regulations require residents to manage bear attractants such as garbage and fruit at home. This includes only placing your garbage cart at the curb between 4:00am and 7:00pm only on collection days.

  • Download the Garbage Collection Regulation Bylaw [PDF]
  • Download the Property Maintenance Bylaw [PDF]
  • Report a bylaw violation to the City at:
    • Phone: 311
    • Email: 311@princegeorge.ca

Other Bear Resources


  • Learn more about the Northern Bear Awareness Society
  • Learn more about the Northern Bear Awareness Society Fruit Exchange Program
  • Download the City's Recommended Bear-Resistant Tree List [PDF]
  • Visit the Parks Canada - Safe Travel in Bear Country website
  • Visit the BC Conservation Office Service website


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© 2017 City of Prince George, 1100 Patricia Boulevard, Prince George, BC V2L 3V9, Canada, Email: 311@princegeorge.ca,Telephone: 250-561-7600 or 311,Fax: 250-561-7724​

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