City of Castlegar offers tips to reduce wildlife encounters this spring

As the days grow longer and temperatures continue to rise, the City of Castlegar is encouraging proactive steps to prevent harmful human-wildlife interactions.

Wildlife activity in and around Castlegar has continued to increase in recent weeks, including bears, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, and rats.

The City says improperly managed garbage, pet food, compost, and fallen fruit can attract these animals into residential areas, posing risks to both residents and wildlife.

As a result, it has issued the following tips to prevent harmful interactions:

Curbside garbage and organics carts 

• Store carts in a secure building or enclosure between collection days.

• If outdoor storage is necessary, ensure both clips are locked, and the cart is chained to a sturdy post or tree to prevent tipping.

• Freeze particularly smelly food items (e.g., meat, bones, rotten fruit) and place them in your organics cart on collection day.

• If your cart or clips are damaged, contact the City for repairs or replacements.

• Avoid overflowing carts by taking surplus garbage directly to the landfill.

Cleaning your organics cart

• Line the bottom of your cart with newspaper, a paper bag, or yard waste to absorb moisture and prevent food from sticking.

• After collection, rinse the cart with water over a landscaped area to remove any remaining residue.

• Try natural deodorizers like baking soda, Borax, or vinegar mixed with water to reduce smells.

Collection times

• Only place carts and recycling containers on the curb with clips unlocked between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. on your collection day.

• Carts and recycling placed after 7 a.m. may not be collected, leaving waste exposed and potentially attracting wildlife.

• Fines may be issued for carts not secured or placed on the curb outside of the designated collection window.

Prevent other attractants

• Promptly pick all ripe fruit and nuts to prevent them from becoming a food source for wildlife.

• Feed pets indoors and store pet food inside.

• Remove bird feeders during non-winter months when natural food sources are abundant.

• Keep barbecues clean and free of food residue.

• Ensure compost bins are properly sealed and maintained.

• Businesses should keep outdoor grease bins or containers secure.

The City adds that taking these proactive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of wildlife encounters and contribute to a safer and more responsible community.

Managing attractants is not just about preventing nuisances — it’s about coexisting respectfully with the wildlife that shares our environment.

Castlegar’s WildSafe BC Community Coordinator, Tara Peijski, is set to return this month and continue her work in reducing human-wildlife conflict through education, outreach, and community engagement.

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