With the recent cooler temperatures, bears have been seen in the community this fall.
Zoe Kirk, WildSafeBC community coordinator for the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, said a black bear was reported around Landry Crescent and Thornber Street on Sept. 15.
She added that more bear sightings are expected in the region once again this fall.
“Bear issues have escalated almost everywhere,” she said.
In British Columbia’s Southern Interior, a Level 4 drought has forced bears away from their usual habitats, since creeks and rivers in some areas are dry.
The fire season this summer has also had an effect on bears and other animals.
“All the wildlife were escaping the hills as the fires were raging,” she said.
Bears have been an ongoing problem in Summerland as many residents continue to set out their garbage and recyclables the night before collection takes place.
As a result, bears have been observed in residential areas, searching for food.
WildsafeBC has urged the community to set up a garbage bylaw, penalizing those who set out their garbage before collection day.