Not only could a fed bear lead to a dead bear, but exposing a bear to attractants could also cost Squamish residents cash.
Nine warnings were issued, and three violation tickets for attracting dangerous wildlife were handed out during a recent attractant audit in Squamish.
"We're still having a lot of bear activity in Squamish," said Conservation Officer Service officer Sgt. Simon Gravel.
"Too many bears are still killed because of attractant issues that can be easily secured."
Gravel says conservation officers, District of Squamish bylaw and RCMP officials had a look at 225 Squamish locations, both commercial and residential on Aug. 28.
He said people need to be aware that residential properties, businesses, and campsites can all be penalized for leaving out attractants in places where wildlife can get to them.
All local authorities are involved in helping with enforcement, Gravel said.
"All the agencies in Squamish are engaged...the RCMP... the bylaw officers and the conservation officers, so it's ultimately not only the responsibility of COS," he said.
Some of the penalties can pack a punch for your wallet. A $230 fine could be issued for attracting dangerous wildlife, he said.
Officers can also issue dangerous wildlife protection orders, which force people or businesses to remove attractants from their area. One example could be taking down an apple tree that's attracting bears, Gravel said.
Those who fail to obey the order could be fined $575.
There have been no other bears destroyed in the Squamish and its nearby areas since the high-profile destruction of a mother bear and her two cubs in Furry Creek in June, he said.
