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Time to be bear aware

Saanich police are reminding residents, especially those in rural areas, that bears are now active and attracted by garbage.

Saanich police are reminding residents, especially those in rural areas, that bears are now active and attracted by the smell of garbage.

A resident of the 300-block of Viaduct Avenue West reported to police that she saw a young black bear wander out of the bushes, down her driveway and toward her garbage cans last Wednesday.

Viaduct Avenue West, near Prospect Lake Road, is near natural habitat for bears and other wildlife.

Earlier last week, members of the Saanich staff responded to illegal household garbage dumping in the power line cutline near Prospect Lake Road. That garbage had likely been accessed by a bear.

Illegal dumping or poorly secured garbage at home could lead to bears becoming accustomed to eating food waste, and become a problem animal that could be destroyed by the conservation service.

Anyone who witnesses illegal dumping is asked to call Saanich police at 250-475-4321.

editor@saanichnews.com