Humane Solutions will be teaming up with the District of Squamish to provide wildlife education and community engagement to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.
According to the District, the Humane Solutions team will work in conjunction with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service and the District to identify wildlife hotspots, co-ordinate public communication and implement Bear Smart initiatives.
“Humane Solutions will take up the critical role to educate residents in order to mitigate and limit wildlife interactions,” said Mayor Karen Elliott in a news release. “Our goals are twofold: to safely co-exist with wildlife whether out on the trails or within our neighbourhoods, and to protect the species that live here.”
Squamish ranks among the top 10 communities in B.C. for black bears, according to reports the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
Unsecured wildlife attractants — such as garbage bins, organics bins or fruit trees — are the leading cause of bear conflict in the community.
“Education, innovation and collaboration are critical to mitigating human-wildlife conflict and our team is committed to maintaining industry best practices while also focusing on sustainability and welfare,” said Emma Harris, chief operating officer for Humane Solutions, in the release.
“We look forward to engaging with residents and stakeholders across the community of Squamish.”
In the spring of 2021, curbside collection for garbage and organics totes was shifted in an effort to mitigate damage from wildlife. According to the release, this contributed to a decrease in repairs needed for totes.
As Squamish heads towards spring once again, the District reminds residents to take five steps to decrease negative encounters:
- Keep totes locked and stored away
- Ensure bears feel unwelcome if they come onto the property
- Freeze odorous food scraps and rinse all recycling before putting them in the tote
- Keep bird feeders suspended on cables
- Harvest fruit from trees
For wildlife sightings or encounters, please contact the 24-hour Conservation Officer Service hotline at 1-877-952-7277. If it is not urgent, reports can also be made using the online form at forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp.
For more information about Humane Solutions please visit their website at www.HumaneSolutions.ca.
***April 11, 3:07 p.m.: Please note this story has been updated to show that Humane Solutions, not Human Solutions, was hired by the District of Squamish
