Hungry bears in search of food will soon be approaching communities in the South Okanagan and Similkameen.

Valerie Maida, WildSafeBC community coordinator with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, says bears in the fall develop an appetite to help them gain weight for the winter.

She said if bears find food in neighbourhoods and communities, they can become conditioned to human presence and lose their natural fear of people. This results in a dangerous situation for people and bears.

Maida urges people to manage garbage and other bear attractants around their homes.

A regional district bylaw states that curbside properties within Electoral Areas A, C, D, E, F and I must place garbage in a wildlife-resistant container or a wildlife-proof enclosure, or place it outside after 5 a.m. on the day designated for garbage collection.

Communities within the regional district also have bylaws and regulations governing when garbage may be set out at the curb.

The regional district says when garbage and recycling bins are not at the curb, they should be in a secure area, such as a garage, shed or outbuilding.

Those who do not have access to these objects should chain their garbage bins to immovable objects such as trees or walls, to discourage bears from gaining access.

Other bear attractants around the home should also be managed.

Fruit and nut trees should be harvested as the fruit and nuts ripen, and fallen produce should be picked up as it accumulates.

Pet and livestock feed should be stored securely and uneaten food should not be left out.

Barbecues and other outdoor cookers should be cleaned of grease and food after each use. Residents should consider removing bird feeders outside of the winter months.

Maida says managing bear attractants will also help to discourage rats, mice and raccoons.

Additional information on managing wildlife attractants and reducing wildlife conflicts is available online at wildsafebc.com/.