Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Princeton is a place where nature and community coexist. Wildlife has always been part of our landscape—passing through, foraging, and sometimes settling near our homes. But when wild animals gain access to human food or other unnatural attractants, they can become food-conditioned and lose their natural fear of people. This shift increases the risk of dangerous interactions and can lead to property damage, injuries to pets or humans, and even harm to the animals themselves.
That’s where WildSafeBC steps in.
WildSafeBC, a program of the British Columbia Conservation Foundation, is dedicated to reducing human-wildlife conflict through education, outreach, and practical advice. Their mission is simple: keep wildlife wild and communities safe.
WildSafeBC urges all residents to take proactive steps to manage wildlife attractants around their homes. Here’s a checklist to help you do your part:
• Garbage: Store in a secure shed or garage until pick-up day. Alternatively, take it directly to the Princeton landfill (open Tuesday–Saturday, 8 am–4 pm).
• Recycling: Wash recyclables and keep bins clean to avoid attracting animals.
• Bird Food: Avoid birdfeeders from April to November when bears are active. Use bird baths or houses instead.
• Compost: Turn regularly and balance green (kitchen scraps) and brown (leaves/paper) materials. Avoid meat, fish, dairy, grease, and excess fruit.
• Fruit Trees: Pick ripe or fallen fruit daily. Remove unused trees or install electric fencing.
• Barbeques: Burn off food residue and clean grease traps after each use. Store securely.
• Pet Food: Feed pets indoors and store food inside.
• Human Food: Keep food indoors—never in vehicles or outdoor freezers.
If you see a bear, cougar, wolf, or coyote:
• Stop. Stay calm. Back away slowly and go indoors.
• Never run or provoke the animal.
• Alert your neighbours.
• Report sightings or conflicts to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 (available 24/7).
Together, we can protect our community and the wildlife that surrounds us. Let’s keep Princeton wild—and safe.
Or visit
That’s where WildSafeBC steps in.
What Is WildSafeBC?
WildSafeBC, a program of the British Columbia Conservation Foundation, is dedicated to reducing human-wildlife conflict through education, outreach, and practical advice. Their mission is simple: keep wildlife wild and communities safe.
Your Role as a Princeton Homeowner
WildSafeBC urges all residents to take proactive steps to manage wildlife attractants around their homes. Here’s a checklist to help you do your part:
Homeowner’s Wildlife Safety Checklist
• Garbage: Store in a secure shed or garage until pick-up day. Alternatively, take it directly to the Princeton landfill (open Tuesday–Saturday, 8 am–4 pm).
• Recycling: Wash recyclables and keep bins clean to avoid attracting animals.
• Bird Food: Avoid birdfeeders from April to November when bears are active. Use bird baths or houses instead.
• Compost: Turn regularly and balance green (kitchen scraps) and brown (leaves/paper) materials. Avoid meat, fish, dairy, grease, and excess fruit.
• Fruit Trees: Pick ripe or fallen fruit daily. Remove unused trees or install electric fencing.
• Barbeques: Burn off food residue and clean grease traps after each use. Store securely.
• Pet Food: Feed pets indoors and store food inside.
• Human Food: Keep food indoors—never in vehicles or outdoor freezers.
What to Do If You Encounter Wildlife
If you see a bear, cougar, wolf, or coyote:
• Stop. Stay calm. Back away slowly and go indoors.
• Never run or provoke the animal.
• Alert your neighbours.
• Report sightings or conflicts to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277 (available 24/7).
Together, we can protect our community and the wildlife that surrounds us. Let’s keep Princeton wild—and safe.
For questions or assistance with wildlife attractants, contact Princeton’s WildSafeBC Community Coordinator at
princeton@wildsafebc.com
princeton@wildsafebc.com
Or visit
www.wildsafebc.com for more resources.
