We share natural spaces with wildlife
Regional parks and greenways provide significant habitat and travel corridors for wildlife, including bears, cougars, and coyotes.
For the safety of yourself, others, and wildlife, do not try to get close to or feed wildlife, and do not leave any garbage.
Understanding wildlife behaviour helps keep people safe and wildlife wild. Read more below and go to the
individual parks for information about what species you might encounter.
Bears
Bears can be regular visitors in regional parks or can be just passing through.
Simple things to do when on the trail:
- Be alert
- Hike in groups of two or more
- Make noise (talk, sing, or clap)
- Keep dogs leashed
- Pack out all garbage
For more great tips and information, see the
Help Keep Bears Wild and People Safe brochure.
Coyotes
Coyotes are active year-round, but are more reactive to humans and dogs when mating (January and February) or when denning (April to July).
Simple things to do when on the trail:
- Keep dogs leashed (especially during denning season)
- Pick up small dogs if a coyote is near
- Never feed or leave food for coyotes
- Put all trash in wildlife-proof garbage bins
For more great tips and information, see the
Help Keep Coyotes Wild and People Safe brochure.
Cougars
Normally, cougars avoid people. But on occasion, cougars may be seen in some regional parks.
In the unlikely event that you do see a cougar:
- Stay calm
- Do not turn your back or run
- Make yourself look as big as you can, back away slowly, and give the cougar a clear exit
- If a cougar shows aggression, fight back with anything you have at hand (rocks, sticks, etc.)
For more information about cougars in BC, go to
Wildsafe BC.