According to the Conservation Officer Service (COS), there have been multiple reports recently of food-conditioned black bear activity in both Lost Lake Park and Rainbow Park, with bears reportedly accessing food from unattended backpacks in the picnic area of Lost Lake.   

Signage has been erected and the RMOW’s Bylaw and Environment teams have been educating guests in the parks to secure attractants and practise proper bear-smart behaviour.  

The public is advised to consider leaving food at home when visiting local parks, and, if not, to keep food and other wildlife attractants safely secured in a bear-proof bin. Packaging and uneaten food should be disposed immediately, and sunscreen and other odorous attractants placed in sealed bags or containers after use to help reduce the risk of conflict with bears.  

For more bear-smart tips, visit whistler.ca/bears. To learn about black bear behaviour in Whistler, check out our blog.