- Waste MUST be stored in a wildlife proof enclosure
- Bins should only be outside within 8:00am and 6:00pm on your scheduled collection days
Please see Bylaw No. 598, 2021 or our Garbage and Recycling page for more information
Bears and Wildlife Prevention
Contact the Conservation Officer at 1 (877) 952-7277 or #7277 on a cell phone if you have an encounter with wildlife or feel threatened by wildlife.
Wildlife Country
We are in wildlife country. Residents, visitors and business owners in the District of Sechelt share the responsibility to keep each other and wildlife safe. Thank you for helping us keep our wildlife wild.
Your Role
Storing Garbage, Recycling and Organics
- Trim trees and shrubs so you are not creating shelter
- Store firewood, lumber, or other materials in a way to reduce its attractiveness as a home or hiding place for smaller animals
- Clean your barbecue after use
- Ensure chicken coops and beehives are surrounded by a well maintained electric fence
- Harvest vegetable gardens and fruit trees as they ripen
- Do not let fruit gather on the ground
- Prune trees when they are dormant
Consider using:
- Solid fencing
- Farmers electrical fencing
Bears
- Make noise
- Do not hike alone
- Stay on officially marked trails
- Watch for bear scat and tracks
- Keep you dogs on leash
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
- Back up slowly, never run
- Stay calm
- Do not stare
- Give it space. Do not block access to its cubs or food.
- Use your bear spray if it approaches you
In the case that a bear has been frightened or feels threatened:
- Stand your ground and back away only when the bear has stopped its approach
- Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and jacket and/or standing on a rock or stump
- Yell "Hey Bear" loudly
- Take your bear spray from the holster and remove the safety latch to get ready to spray if needed
In the case that a bear is stalking you along a trail:
- Stay calm
- Try to escape into a building or car
- Use your bear spray if it approaches you
- Do not run
For more information about coexisting with bears please visit the Sunshine Coast Bear Alliance.
Coyotes
- Make yourself appear large
- Maintain eye contact
- Speak in a firm voice or shout
- Wave your arms
- Make noise
- Do not run or turn your back
- A coyote may harm cats and small dogs. Please keep you pets inside at night
- Keep dogs on leashes when outside
Cougars
- Stay calm
- Make yourself appear large
- Back away slowly, never turn your back
- Allow a clear exit for the cougar
- Pick up children and small pets
- Maintain eye contact
- Speak in a firm or loud voice
- A cougar may harm cats and small dogs. Please keep you pets inside at night
- Keep dogs on leashes when outside
For more information see Wildsafe BC, the provincial leader in preventing conflict with wildlife through collaboration, education, and community solutions.