For the Townsman/Bulletin
May 1 marked the beginning of the 2015 season for WildSafeBC in Kimberley and Cranbrook! WildSafeBC is looking to build upon the early successes of last year, addressing continuing and emerging human-wildlife conflict issues.
Unfamiliar with the program? WildSafeBC aims to keep wildlife wild and communities safe through community outreach and education. We host educational displays at community events and conduct door-to-door outreach in neighbourhoods experiencing attractant management issues or concerning wildlife activity. You may have seen WildSafeBC stickers on garbage cans resulting from our garbage tagging efforts, warning residents to keep household waste secured safely indoors.
What's more, educational presentations to school and community groups are at the heart of our program! Last year we presented on attractant management and recreational safety regarding bears, cougars, deer and more; reaching students from Kindergarten to grade 12 in Kimberley and Cranbrook.
Keep your eyes open and your ears perked for community displays, print and radio news from WildSafeBC throughout the season! Are you a Facebook user? Like our WildSafeBC Kimberley-Cranbrook page for updates on events we'll be participating in, tips on keeping your community safe and recent wildlife sightings!
Sonja Seher returns as your Community Coordinator this year, and she's eager to hear of concerns you may have in your neighbourhood. Contact Sonja by phone or email at: (250) 427.7701 or cranbrook@wildsafebc.com (in Cranbrook), or kimberley@wildsafebc (in Kimberley). WildSafeBC supports local municipalities and Conservation Officers for a unified approach to wildlife attractant management in our communities. If you see any wildlife activity of concern, please call the 24-Hour reporting line for the Conservation Officer Service: 1 (877) 952.7277.
WildSafeBC would like to acknowledge the support of Columbia Basin Trust, the BC Ministry of Environment, the City of Kimberley and the City of Cranbrook.