A reminder: they are coming out of hibernation. 
That is the message a newly uncovered bear sign will give motorists on Highway 99.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure recently installed the signage on the northbound side of the Highway 99, just south of the Squamish Chances Casino.
The signage is always there, but are ‘uncovered’ at the beginning of the season to remind people they are in prime bear habitat and to discourage human-wildlife conflict.
District of Squamish is urging motorists to stay alert, anticipate wildlife while driving and to not stop to view, photograph or feed wildlife.
This is also the time, typically between March and April, when bears emerge from hibernation lean and hungry.
They can spend up to eight hours a day eating willow and cottonwood catkins, the early shoots of skunk cabbage, grasses, horsetail, clover and dandelions.
However, they don’t gain much weight on this diet and can continue to lose weight well into June and even into July. Bears will stay low in the valley bottoms during this time and will eventually follow the snowmelt up the mountainside in search of spring green-up and summer berries.
One way you can help keep them moving up the mountains is by not attracting them into our neighbourhoods with non-natural food.
Please ensure totes and bins are locked and stored inside a garage or shed wherever possible. If your tote is damaged and can no longer be locked, please contact Green For Life – Squamish Division at 604.892.5604.
If you spot unsecured garbage, please report it to Bylaw Officers at 604.815.5067 or the RAPP line at 1.877.952.7277 (#7277 on your cell phone) so steps can be taken to address the problem.
