Keep Castlegar Wild and Safe: Take Action to Prevent Wildlife Encounters

03-Apr-2025 10:15 am

The City of Castlegar encourages all residents to take proactive steps to prevent attractants which bring wildlife to neighbourhoods and help maintain a safe, clean, and healthy community.

Wildlife activity in and around Castlegar increases as the days grow longer and temperatures rise. Improperly managed garbage, pet food, compost, and fallen fruit can attract animals like rats, coyotes, bears, raccoons, and skunks into residential areas, posing risks to residents and wildlife.

What can you do?

CURBSIDE GARBAGE & 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.

By taking these proactive measures, residents 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.

The WildSafeBC Community Coordinator role will resume in Castlegar in mid-April 2025. This seasonal position focuses on reducing human-wildlife conflict through education, outreach, and community engagement. Using a multi-faceted approach, the Coordinator helps increase public awareness about local wildlife and how to safely coexist. For more information or to connect with the Coordinator, email castlegar@wildsafebc.com or visit facebook.com/WildSafeBCCastlegar.

For more information on living safely with wildlife, visit WildSafeBC

---