Silver Star Bear Stewardship

06/10/2026

Fishers Hardware Vernon is a great source for this. They are very helpful and have everything you need to keep your livestock safe from cougars, bobcats, raccoons , skunks, badgers, bears,coyotes......all the wildlife you live with on a daily basis.
If you're in Armstrong, Country West Supply is also great!

Power Up to Protect!

Electricity is the best way to keep bears away from chickens, goats, bees, orchards, compost, animal feed, and more.

An unprotected apiary, coop or pen is like a fast-food restaurant for bears. So much easy-to-get-to, calorie-filled food all in one convenient place.

Ordinary fences can’t keep out bears. A properly constructed, installed and maintained electric fence is the most fool-proof, powerful and long-lasting bear-deterrent available. When a bear’s super-sensitive lips, nose or tongue come in contact with a properly charged fence, the bear has an experience it never wants to repeat.

Getting zapped does no permanent harm to bears (or people and pets), but it does teach the bear a life-saving lesson.

Do you have fruit trees, berries, pumpkins, beehives? Or thinking about it? Get more details on powering up: https://bearwise.org/protecting-chickens-small-livestock-and-bees/



Learn More About Bears: BearWise.org

06/08/2026

Yes.

THE SEEDS WERE FOR BIRDS.
THE LESSON WAS FOR ME.

You hung the feeder in spring.

A little kindness outside the window.
Sunflower seeds.
Sweet suet.
A morning song you wanted closer to the house.

Maybe you thought only birds would come.

Maybe you thought the feeder was too small to matter.
Maybe you thought one bear visit was only a surprise, a photo, a story to tell.

But I learned.

I am a black bear.

My nose found what your eyes forgot.

Seeds on the ground.
Grease on the grill.
Garbage beside the garage.
Pet food on the porch.
A compost bin that smelled like fruit, bread, and easy calories.

The first time I came, I wasbage beside the garage.
Pet food on the porch.
A compost bin that careful.

The second time, less afraid.

The third time, I knew the pattern.

House.

Yard.

Smell.

Food.

And every easy meal took something from me.

Not my hunger.

My fear.

The fear that kept me far from doors.
The fear that kept me in the woods.
The fear that told me humans were something to avoid, not follow.

Then the calls started.

A bear at the feeder.
A bear near the trash.
A bear on the deck.
A bear too close to people.

And suddenly, the lesson I learned from your yard became the reason people said I was dangerous.

Please understand:

a bear does not have to be aggressive to be in danger.

Sometimes it only has to learn the wrong address for food.

Take down bird feeders when bears are active.

Secure trash.
Clean grills.
Bring pet food inside.
Use bear-resistant containers where needed.
Do not leave food scraps, greasy pans, or sweet smells outside.

If you see me, do not feed me.

Do not come closer for photos.
Do not block my exit.
Bring pets inside.
Stay indoors or far away.
Make sure I have a safe way to leave.

Because the seeds were for birds.

But the lesson was for me.

And the lesson was simple:

humans mean food.

That is the kind of lesson
a wild bear may not survive.

06/07/2026

The reality of living in bear country is that sheds are often not bear-proof. If a bear can get in, by definition it is not bear-proof! The bylaw requires waste must be stored in an enclosure that is “inaccessible to wildlife”. Freezing food waste reduces odours, so if at all possible please do so.

06/07/2026

06/04/2026

There is a young bear frequenting BX dog park, Larkspur Road and surrounding area.
Young bears can cause more trouble because they are young and curious but are also able to learn new rules because of their age.
Do not let this little one get comfortable around your property .
Bear bangers and even bear spray can be effective deterrents to push yearlings and young bears away from your home.
Banging pots and pans and making noise or allowing your on leash dog to bark can also be effective.

Yearlings need to be taught by humans that we are not safe for them to be around in city neighborhoods.

Garbage kills bears in more than one way. They get hit by cars going back and forth on our streets, they can ingest poison, glass and other materials that kill while moving through their digestive systems and they can end up in a trap to be destroyed by the province when your neighbour decides they don't want a bear walking through their front door.

Please share with neighbors not on Facebook.
Let them know a bear is in their area.
Help us keep bears safe and out of your neighborhood by removing their attractants.

06/02/2026

Thank you City of Vernon. 🐻

05/29/2026

There are at least three active bear families in the Keddleston, Aspen, Jackpine area right now. You can help keep them safe by using electric fencing, locking outdoor freezers, using only bear-proof garbage containers, and keeping garbage and recycling inside until you take them to the depot or they get picked up.

Bears do not get relocated if they become habituated to your food. It is a death sentence for them.

If you need help bear proofing your home, please let us know and we can provide advice and assistance.

05/26/2026

Thanks for making this great video !

05/26/2026

Glasses found close to the top of bx falls trail. Message here is they're yours.

05/25/2026

Have you seen a bear? Help us help you to encourage your neighbours be Bear Smart.
Scan the bar code, fill out the survey. We can work with friends in your neighbourhood to reduce attractants.