Port Coquitlam urges residents to secure waste as bears enter fall feeding season

As berries and other natural food sources decline heading into fall, bears are increasingly drawn to human-provided attractants, including garbage and fruit trees. The City of Port Coquitlam is asking residents to secure waste and remove attractants to protect property and the local bear population.

From late August through November, bears enter hyperphagia, a period in which they can eat more than 20,000 calories daily. They may be active day and night and forage for up to 17 hours at a time. The city says bears that find food in neighbourhoods quickly become accustomed to it.

Residents and businesses can help reduce human-bear conflict and avoid a $500 fine by following the city’s garbage regulations. Garbage and food scraps should be kept in a wildlife-resistant enclosure such as a garage or shed. Those without secure storage must use the city’s wildlife-resistant cart lock or a certified alternative.

Carts may be placed at the curb only between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on collection day and must be secured again by 7 p.m. Residents can find lock-use instructions at portcoquitlam.ca/lockitright. To request a cart lock or an additional third arm, contact Public Works at [email protected] or 604-927-5496.

The city also advises residents to harvest ripe fruit and vegetables, clean up fallen fruit, remove bird feeders from April through November or hang them higher than 3.3 metres, feed pets indoors, clean barbecues after use, and avoid storing strong-smelling garbage or scented products outside.

Port Coquitlam will host a free Bear Aware Information Session on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Outlet, #110 - 2248 McAllister Avenue. Registration is required at portcoquitlam.ca/bears. Bear sightings in parks, on trails or in residential areas can be reported to the Provincial Conservation Officer Service’s 24-hour toll-free line at 1-877-952-RAPP or online at rapp.bc.ca.