The City of Campbell River is home to an abundance of wildlife. Protection for these animals primarily comes through provincial and federal legislation.
Bear Awareness
The natural areas surrounding the City are home to bears. As such, human-bear conflicts are a common problem for residents, especially those bordering parkland or natural areas. The City works with the BC Ministry of Environment Conservation Officer Service to minimize the potential for human-bear interactions.
To help keep bears out of your neighbourhood, follow these tips:
- Garbage: please store your garbage outside in a bear-proof container. Access to household garbage is why bears quickly become conditioned to this non-natural food source.
- Compost: sprinkle compost with lime. This helps with decomposition and reduces the smell.
- Barbecues: burn your barbecues clean immediately after using them. Wash and store them covered and out of the wind, preferably indoors.
- Pet food: feed your pets and store their food inside. Pick up dog bones in your yard.
- Bird feeders: if you wish to use a bird feeder, put it out only in the winter.
- Fruit trees: remove fallen fruit immediately and dispose of in a lined compost. Harvest fruit and vegetables as they ripen and store in a safe area.
Eagle Tree Protection
According to the province's Wildlife Tree Stewardship (WiTS), the primary constraints to bald eagle nesting success are:
- Food supply
- Health of the eagles
- Availability of nesting and perch trees
- Disturbance by human activity
Preventing the loss of nesting and perching trees is key in assuring the long-term viability of the eagle population. As eagle nests are large and heavy, only the largest trees in the area can support them. For development including land clearing within 60 metres of a known nest tree, a City development permit is required.