A garbage-munching bear lurching through Highlands is creating a buzz.

B.C. Conservation officers received more than 70 calls in October, compared to the typical 20 to 30 calls annually.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 pretty much one bear,B次元官网网址� said conservation officer Peter Pauwels. B次元官网网址淭his bear is hooked on garbage and there is no shortage of it.B次元官网网址�

The bear hits up to eight houses a night, travelling along Millstream Road, Finlayson Arm Road and several side streets.

Conservation urges residents in Highlands to secure all garbage and keep it indoors or another secure structure, only putting it out when pickup is due.

B次元官网网址淧utting a rock on top of a can or a bungee cord wonB次元官网网址檛 work,B次元官网网址� Pauwels said, adding the bear has knocked apart weaker refuse structures. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 hitting multiple targets and trying to fatten up. Nothing has more calories (for a bear) than garbage.B次元官网网址�

Trapping hasnB次元官网网址檛 worked so far, as the food used to lure the animal isnB次元官网网址檛 working B次元官网网址� there is too much easily accessible garbage elsewhere, Pauwels said.

B次元官网网址淭his is frustrating, the bear is going to end up getting put down,B次元官网网址� Pauwels said. B次元官网网址淧eople are going to keep killing bears if they donB次元官网网址檛 secure their garbage. This isnB次元官网网址檛 going to go away and it will just be another bear next year.B次元官网网址�

Conservation officers put down another garbage-eating bear in June.

The bear is deemed habituated and residents shouldnB次元官网网址檛 get between it and garbage, Pauwels said. As well, children should not be outside alone.

By law residents are required to secure garbage and B.C. Conservation is considering enforcement including issuing tickets. The District of Highlands also plans to work with the conservation officers to spread information about household garbage practices.

B次元官网网址淗ighlanders enjoy observing the plentiful wildlife that exists here and residents would be upset to learn that human behaviour could in any way contribute to the potential euthanization of animals such as this bear,B次元官网网址� said Mayor Jane Mendum. B次元官网网址淲e encourage all residents to secure their garbage cans in a sturdy outbuilding or garage and in doing so, help to prevent habituation of the increasing number of bears that seasonally travel through Highlands.B次元官网网址�