200 bear complaints expected in Prince George over next 6 weeks

A wildlife awareness society says residents of Prince George, B.C., can expect an increasing number of bear encounters in the next few weeks as the furry omnivoressearch for food to fatten up for winter.

Northern Bear Awareness Society president DaveBakkersays he expects 200 complaints in the city over the nextsix weeks as berry crops wane and bears are temptedby open garbage, dirtyBBQs, and unpicked fruit instead.

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"We wouldn't have conflicts in such high numbers if bears weren't being invited into our neighbourhoods for free lunches," Bakker said.

In an average year, Prince George gets 800 bear complaints and 40 bears are killed.

Bakker said the number of bear encounters isn't unusual in B.C., especially for a city surrounded by forest.

Local resident Dave Fuller said he saw a bear just off his back porch recently.

"Iwas involved in a bear attack last fall, so Iwas a bit nervous. But Iwent down and growled at it, and it ran off," Fuller said.

"Just be respectful of the bears they've got their own life to live as well."

With files from Betsy Trumpener