A resident of the 300 block of Viaduct Avenue West had a surprise visit from a black bear at about 1230 this afternoon, Wednesday, April 24.
The female resident looked out a window from her residence towards her driveway and observed what appeared to be a juvenile black bear lumbering out of the bushes, onto her driveway, and towards her garbage cans. There were numerous garbage cans within the area and it was noted to be garbage collection day.
The location of this incident is relatively remote and is very near the natural habitat for bears and other wildlife. The access to this street is off of Prospect Lake Road.
Members of the Saanich Pound were summoned earlier this week to the area of the power lines on Prospect Lake Road following a report of what appeared to be dumped garbage. When Municipal staff attended to clean up the dump site, it was apparent that an animal, likely a bear, had frequented the area and accessed the garbage.
The Conservation Service of BC has been advised and will be monitoring the area.
Area residents are reminded to store any garbage securely in a container with a secure lid. Placing the garbage receptacle into a structure, such as inside a closed garage, will further prevent bears from being attracted to the property.
Anyone who witnesses anyone dumping garbage illegally is asked to contact Saanich Police at 250-475-4321.
2013-7529
Sgt. Steve Eassie #158