Carolyn Grant
Conservation officers continue to try to track two grizzly bears who have made repeated appearances in Kimberley in the past week.
Last Thursday, September 12, the bears were seen in the late afternoon in the vicinity of McKim Middle School.
They were seen in the McKim area again on Friday, forcing cancellation of the school's Terry Fox run.
CO Joe Carravetta says there are three conservations officers out looking for the bears and two traps have been set, but so far the bears have eluded capture.
The good news, Carravetta says, is that so far the bears are not exhibiting any aggressive behaviour.
"Of all the reports we've had — and we thank people for keeping us informed — there is no report of aggressive behaviour. They are mainly seen at night, except for about 4 o'clock Thursday afternoon, and they are more interested in fruit trees than anything else."
Traps have been set but it is difficult because the bears aren't particularly sticking to one area.
"They keep moving around. We are trying to track them, but our officers haven't actually seen them yet.
"Right now it's an ongoing assessment. We are paying close attention to them. So far they haven't caused a situation where we would have to take adverse action."
Fruit trees are very full this year and Carravetta says there are reports around the region of grizzlies getting into fruit trees, although right now Kimberley is the only place with them active right in town.
"Trees are hanging with fruit everywhere. We ask that if you are not going to eat it, pick it anyway. Give the fruit to the food bank. No attractants, no bears."
Please report all sightings of the bears to the provincial RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.