Fall is in the air - and schools reopen the first week of September and the first official day of Fall is Saturday Sept 23, 2023. Be aware of wildlife in your area. From our summer heatwave, wildfires and drought it is developing into night time temperatures in our area hovering in the low teens. Lots to do around the house, especially if you have a garden.
BE AWARE OF BEARS IN YOUR AREA
Recently one of our neighbours had a, small possibly young black bear in their yard and garbage. It climbed over the fence to our back yard.
With hundreds of wildfires still raging throughout the province there is still a lot of smoke in many areas of the entire province. With loss of habitat and regular food sources, human garbage, etc. are easy pickings for some wildlife.
For example, if you have fruit trees, pick the ripe fruit on the tree(s) and especially ALL fruit fallen on the ground. Discard in large recycle Compost bins if you live in the city. Fallen fruit are a big incentive for animals, bear or deer to come into your property.
DEER ARE FREQUENT VISITORS
A few days ago while out driving I saw a young doe deer running along the side of the road. She appeared very frightened with all the traffic in the area. When I returned home later in the day there was no sign of the deer. We also encountered a doe and two large fawns while camping recently. They were enjoying a family meal in a neighbourhood front garden.
We did have deer, bear and raccoons frequently on the property when we moved here a decade ago. Especially every Spring and Fall. As I am a "gardener" we eventually finished fencing the property (partially fenced) and let the hedges grow higher. Deer will evidently not jump over a fence (or hedge) if they cannot see what's on the other side (so I understand). Of course most fences are not a problem for the local bears to climb over, or walk through.
KIDS & WILDLIFE
In past years some of the schools in our area have closed at lunch or recess if there has been a bear sighting on or near school property. Make sure you and your children are aware on how to re-act if they come across one to or from school. For example "If You Encounter a Bear"
IN CLOSING
We lived on a country property in northern BC for several years and sightings of many wild animals was frequent, including a bear who wanted to "den up" for the winter near our home. Late this summer we encountered a very large sow black bear on a walking trail at very close quarters. We had to walk past her and her two small cubs she had chased up a tree. We followed guidelines and passed safely and eventually we were told they went on their way. Please note: This is not the time to take a photo.
Take care and best wishes to all the kids, and adults returning to schools and educational colleges, this Fall.
LINKS & REFERENCES
- Black Bear in BC information
- Information Deer in BC
- BC Wildsafe on Raccoons
Caramel and Parsley articles:
- If you are interested in BC wild life : A VISIT TO THE NORTH ISLAND WILDLIFE RECOVERY CENTRE (2021) is a great place to learn about, and view wildlife
- BLACK BEARS & GRIZZLIES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA (2016)
- KEEP DEER OUT OF THE VEGETABLE GARDEN (2016)
- This article written August 23, 2023
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