Coexisting with Black Bears in the Upper Mission: A Shared Responsibility

Black bears have called this land home long before it became the Upper Mission we know today. They were here first, and we are now living in their territory. As our communities expand, it’s essential that we remember we are not the only inhabitants of this space—we share it with these incredible creatures.

The rise in bear-human interactions in Kettle Valley is not just a matter of wildlife management; it’s a matter of cohabitation. Black bears are being drawn into residential areas due to the mismanagement of garbage, which has become a serious problem in attracting them to urban spaces. This problem is further exacerbated by the City of Kelowna's failure to adequately enforce their Waste Management Bylaw, putting wildlife at risk.

In 2023 alone, conservation officers killed 603 black bears and 23 grizzly bears—a sharp increase compared to the province’s eight-year average.

The Way Forward: Coexistence, Not Conflict
It's crucial that we find ways to safely coexist, for the benefit of both our communities and the bears. This is not just about protecting human safety; it’s about protecting the future of black bears, which play an essential role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems.

What Can We Do?
Secure Garbage: Store waste in bear-proof containers and keep it indoors until pickup.

Respect Wildlife: Recognize that bears are part of our natural heritage and deserve to live undisturbed in their natural habitats.

Push for Enforcement: Advocate for stricter enforcement of the Waste Management Bylaw to prevent bear attractants in urban areas.

Spread the Word: Educate neighbors and community members on how small changes in waste management can have a big impact on reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Together, we can build a community where both humans and black bears can thrive safely and respectfully. It’s time to honor the legacy of this land by cohabitating peacefully, keeping both our communities and the bears safe for generations to come.