Bear sightings continue in Discovery Ridge despite new waste bin rules

Continued bear sightings in Discovery Ridge in southwest Calgary have prompted residents to wonder whether any other measures can be taken to deter the animals from entering the community. 

At the end of September, the city enacted new bylaw amendments aimed at deterring bears from getting into household garbage after the area around Discovery Ridge was declared temporarily "wildlife affected." 

The new rules stipulate that residents must put waste, recycling, and compost bins out for collection no earlier than 5 a.m. and ensure that empty carts are stowed away in a secure enclosure before 7 p.m.

While the city said there's been good uptake of the new policy, some community members think securing garbage is only part of the solution. 

Julie Cusson, who has lived in Discovery Ridge for a year, said since the waste bylaw was implemented she's noticed a change on her street, and that most people have complied with the new protocol. 

But in light of ongoing bear sightings and two bear traps being set up in the community this past weekend, she thinks management efforts shouldn't stop there. 

"There's been no discussion of people addressing attractants on their properties such as fruit bearing trees and shrubs, ... removing feeders that could attract animals [and] pet waste, keeping pets leashed, keeping cats inside," said Cusson. 

"It is not just a matter of putting bins away. The bears will come out regardless of the garbage."

Cusson mentioned that other communities, including the towns of Canmore and Banff, have taken action on removing or banning certain types of fruit-bearing trees that are known to be attractants to bears. 

"We have to learn how to coexist and we have to understand that these are animals that we have a social responsibility to … we're right back where we were last fall, with potentially one or two bears paying their ultimate price."

In October last year, a bear sow and her three cubs were captured and euthanized after being seen in Discovery Ridge for several weeks.

Cusson said that this year, the city went door to door handing out bear pamphlets, but added that there were no consultations with community members about how to address the issue beyond securing waste. 

Sharon Howland, with the City of Calgary's waste and recycling services, said the city is continuing to focus on trying to make sure everyone in Discovery Ridge is complying with the waste bylaw. 

"One cart set out is enough to attract a bear so we want residents to recognize that," said Howland. 

Howland said bylaw officers issued 19 violation tickets in the first two weeks of the new rules being in place, a $250 penalty.

Darrin Hopkins, who has lived in the neighbourhood for 20 years, said he thinks most people on his street are adhering to the city's new waste disposal requirements, but agrees with Cusson that the issue goes beyond proper waste management. 

"I think the bigger problem is here is that there is a cohort of bears out here that has been habituated, and whether we put the garbage away or not, they're staying here. I think the only solution is to trap them and then move them out."

Hopkins added that residents have recently spotted bears at the entrance to Griffith Woods Park, a network of trails bordering Discovery Ridge that's popular with families and dogs. 

"On the weekends especially [there are] tons of kids, tons of dogs ... it's going to be a problem at some point."