An influx of bear sightings in urban areas within Cochrane has prompted worry among residents. However, Alberta Fish and Wildlife said it's something to be expected with the increased development in wild areas. "With urban development and human populations growing, encounters with wildlife will continue to increase," said Brendan Cox a spokesperson for Fish and Wildlife. In August, there have been at least four bear sightings, as well as one cougar sighting. The solution to lowering bear sightings or encounters in Cochrane is to be bear smart, Cox said. "Seeing bears in the Cochrane area is not unheard of, but there will continue to be more encounters unless everyone is bear smart," Cox said, adding that a leading cause of bears in the area is their attraction to left out food and garbage. "Keep your garbage and recyclable bottles and cans in bear-resistant, airtight containers. Use an indoor composter. Remove bird feeders from your yard in the months when bears are active – usually from the beginning of April until the end of November. Be sure to clean up any spilled bird seed from the ground. Scrub your barbecue clean after each use and store it in a bear-resistant building, such as the garage or shed." Cox also advised to consider removing fruit trees and berry-producing bushes from your property. "Bears are attracted to the fruit and berries. If you must keep the trees, pick the ripening fruit as early as possible and store them in secure, airtight containers. Talk to your neighbours about being BearSmart at home." As for bears entering backyards, which happened to a Cochrane man three weeks ago, Cox said keeping an eye on pets when letting them out, especially if your dog has a tendency to escape, might help ensure their safety. "Keeping your dog on a leash keeps it under your close control," Cox said. "It will ensure you can keep an eye on your pet, and it will also ensure your pet doesn’t stray from your yard and run into wildlife, which it could then lead back to your yard."
