5 black bears in a tree, a grizzly in the backyard: This week in B.C. bear photos
Residents warned against putting out pumpkins for Halloween as they could attract hungry animals.
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The city of Prince George shared this image to warn people that leaving pumpkins out could attract bears. (City of Prince George)
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After a busy summer, bears are still active well into the fall as they seek out food to prepare for winter.
Throughout the province, sightings of black bears and grizzly bears in B.C. communities are being widely shared in photos.
Meanwhile, wildlife officials are again reminding people about the importance of limiting bears' access to garbage, food and other possible attractants.
In Prince George, a summer of high bear activity followed by a warmer-than-normal October means bears are a bigger concern headed toward Halloween than would usually be expected.
"The bears are well into their fall feeding frenzy and can't resist a delicious pumpkin left out on your doorstep," a post from the city says, asking residents to keep the decorative gourds indoors unless they are supervised.
Here are some of the best bear photos from across the province this past week:
Megan Larsen captured this shot of 5 black bears in a tree against the lights of Mackenzie, B.C., on Oct. 15. It has since been shared thousands of times around the world. (Megan Larsen)
It's not just black bears. Sara Nicole is among the residents of Mackenzie, a community 180 kilometres north of Prince George, B.C., who has encountered grizzly bears on the outskirts of town. (Sara Nicole)
In this photo, a bear naps on a road just out of town. Nicole says she has seen the grizzlies regularly. (Sara Nicole)
A grizzly bear photographed by Carriene Henderson at Kennedy Siding, east of Mackenzie. (Carriene Henderson)
South of Prince George, in Quesnel, grizzly encounters continue, as well. Mike Vipond was surprised to find one in his yard this week, though he says after a rest it moved on peacefully. Conservation officers have asked residents to report sightings of grizzlies to 1-877-952-7277. (Mike Vipond)
Amber Milligan photographed this black bear walking along Highway 16 on the way to McBride, 200 kilometres southeast of Prince George. (Amber Milligan)
Bears are also active further south. Brittany Butt photographed this bear near her house in Whistler, B.C. (Brittany Butt)
A grizzly bear grazes at Myrtle Philip Elementary School in Whistler, B.C. (Brittany Butt)
A young black bear in an apple tree in the Cowichan Valley. Wildlife officials say it's important for people to harvest crops that might attract bears and habituate them to people. (Robert Vobb)
