The committee has selected four key initiatives to focus on from January through June 2027:
1. Bear Smart Neighbourhood: continuing education and community initiatives aimed at reducing wildlife attractants and encouraging responsible coexistence.
2. Neighbourhood Wildlife Mapping: gathering information about wildlife sightings, habitats and movement patterns to better understand potential wildlife corridors throughout Bear Mountain and surrounding areas.
3. Wildlife-Friendly Property Recognition: exploring a program to recognize residents who take steps to make their properties safer for wildlife and the community.
4. Youth Engagement: looking for opportunities to involve local schools and young residents in wildlife education and stewardship.
Wildlife Watch & Community Data
One of our major priorities will be developing a stronger Wildlife Watch network.
Regular sighting reports and observations from residents and volunteers can help us better understand how bears, cougars, deer and other wildlife are moving through Bear Mountain, South Point and Echo Valley. Over time, this information can support our work to identify important wildlife movement areas and advocate for appropriate protections.
Wildlife Signage
The committee is continuing to place and rotate bear, cougar and wildlife-crossing signs throughout the community based on recent activity.
Rotating signs between locations helps keep them noticeable while allowing us to respond to changing wildlife activity in different areas.
Garbage & Wildlife Attractants
Improperly stored garbage and other attractants remain an important concern in several areas.
The committee will continue community education efforts, including distributing informational door hangers in areas experiencing recurring problems. We also plan to work with the City of Langford to explore stronger solutions and enforcement where necessary.
Keeping garbage and other attractants securely stored is one of the most effective things residents can do to help keep both our community and wildlife safe.
Volunteers Needed
As our initiatives expand, we will need more residents involved.
Volunteer opportunities will include wildlife monitoring and sighting reports, sign placement and rotation, community education, distribution of informational materials, and helping us monitor specific neighbourhood areas.
Whether you have a lot of time to contribute or only an occasional hour, we would love to have you involved.
More information about upcoming initiatives and volunteer opportunities will be shared through the BMCA as the Wildlife Committee’s work progresses.
