A video posted to social media is a sharp reminder to remove bird seed and tree fruit that could attract black bears.
Reza Shei, a Coquitlam realtor, said he was surprised to see a bear drinking sweet nectar from a hummingbird feeder in his back yard in the Hockaday neighbourhood.
The bear stopped by Sunday morning (Oct. 9) to take a drink of the sugar water in a feeder located in a branch of a tree.
"I guess she was feeding to fatten up for the winter," said Shei, who said this is the first time his backyard feeder has been approached by a black bear.
"This one was probably very hungry."
In the video, posted to Instagram, the black bear climbs over the fence, sees the hummingbird feeder and pulls off the bottom to get at the sweet nectar.
After drinking the delicious liquid, the bear pulls on the branch to try to get closer to the feeder and lick the last drops.
"He got creative," said Shei in a message to the Tri-City News.
According to WildsafeBC, people living in neighbourhoods frequented by wildlife should take the following precautions.
- Do not store garbage or other organic waste outdoors. If you have curbside collection, only put the containers out on the morning of collection day – never the night before. Make sure recyclables have been cleaned.
- Protect fruit trees with electric fencing or pick fruit early and do not let windfall accumulate. Ensure your compost is well-managed and refer to Growing in Wildlife Country
- Avoid feeding birds when bears are most active (April to November) and ensure birdfeeders are always inaccessible to non-target species such as bears, deer, squirrels and raccoons. Do not let seed accumulate that may attract rats and other rodents.
- Feed pets indoors and keep pets inside at night.
- Keep your barbecue clean by burning off uncooked food and emptying the grease container.
The City of Coquitlam is also asking residents to remove all attractants.
