Whistler updates wildlife attractants bylaws

Whistler’s council moved ahead with three bylaws related to solid waste management this week.

The bylaws clarify definitions of wildlife attractants and expectations for their management, while improving enforce-ability of municipal bylaws.

Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden says Whistler is home to approximately 50 black bears, and that they are an integral part of the community identity; “when bears are destroyed, it is often as a result of careless human actions. After a bear begins to access non-natural food like garbage or recycling, it is very hard to deter it from trying again”.

Wildlife attractants now explicitly include, but are not limited to; food, seed, oil, antifreeze, paint and more.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler says everyone is required to keep these items secured and away from bears. Homeowners should also ensure renters learn how to manage attractants. Hotels and guest service establishments are also advised to do the same for visitors.

The bylaws also clarify that event organizers are required to manage wildlife attractants and develop a solid waste management plan.

Residents and visitors are required to store garbage, recyclables and compost in a secure area, remove bird feeders during bird season, burn barbecues clean and remove all grease and food scraps after every use, feed pets and store pet food indoors, and close and lock car and residential doors and windows.

You can learn about the bylaw here.