While enjoying the sunshine in Whistler this summer, remember that your daily actions can help protect local bears. One of the most important things you can do is eliminate attractants around your home and vehicle.  

Recent reports to the Conservation Officer Service have shown how intelligent bears are in their quest for food. Black bears in Whistler have been reported entering vehicles through open windows and even opening car doors left unlocked.  

Bears are not your typical auto thief, however. They are not searching for your wallet or other valuables, but snacks, food containers, coolers, garbage, and anything with a scent.  

Bears being able to open car doors may seem surprising, but it goes to show how they are constantly learning and adapting.  

Once a bear discovers an easy food source, whether it be in a car, a house or at the park, it is likely to return to similar locations and repeat the behaviour.  

Anything with a scent will attract bears, including: 

• Sunscreen 

• Chapstick 

• Food wrappers and crumbs 

• Coolers  

• Reusable food containers 

• Pet food  

• Garbage and recycling 

• Uncleaned barbecues  

• Grease trays and cooking residue 

• Empty drink containers 

Why vehicles are targeted by bears  

When it’s hot out, bears seek easy food sources. Collecting berries all day in the heat requires lots of energy. Coming across unattended food is an easy calorie source. If a bear discovers food in a vehicle, it can quickly learn to associate parked cars with a potential food reward. 

An open window provides easy access, while an unlocked door allows a bear to enter a vehicle with minimal effort. Once inside, bears can become trapped or panicked, causing extensive interior damage.  

Bears that become accustomed to finding food around people can lose their natural wariness, increasing the likelihood of future conflicts and creating a safety issue for both humans and bears. 

Before leaving your vehicle: 

• Roll up all windows completely. 

• Lock all doors. 

• Remove food, coolers, garbage, and pet food. 

Even if a vehicle appears clean, lingering food odours and crumbs can be enough to attract a curious bear, so it is important to always keep your vehicle clean and secure.  

The importance of cleaning your barbecue 

Barbecues are a powerful bear attractant.  

After a summer gathering or family cookout, leftover grease and food residue can continue producing strong odours long after the cooking is done. To a bear, a dirty barbecue is a delicious smelling meal.  

Even if a barbecue is on the upper level of a residence, bears are exceptional climbers and can still access them.   

To reduce odours: 

• Burn off food residue after cooking. 

• Scrape and clean grill surfaces regularly. 

• Empty and clean grease trays. 

• Remove food scraps from surrounding areas. 

• Store barbecue accessories and cooking tools clean and free of food and oil residue. 

As we enjoy another busy summer season, let’s work together to keep our community safe and protect the wildlife that makes this community so special.