Kelowna

The City of Kelowna advises caution to users of Parkinson Recreation Centre today after a bear was sighted on park grounds.

The sighting was reported at the tennis courts midday Wednesday. Bear droppings were also reported earlier this week.

“Although bears are rare in urban areas, it is not impossible for one to get lost or venture into the city as it looks for food at this time of year,” says Lori Angus, city administration and finance manager. “City staff have notified local conservation officers and are asking customers and neighbours to be cautious.”

The city adds that residents should respect all bears and anticipate and avoid encounters with them whenever possible.

Residents who encounter a bear can reduce potential conflicts by staying well away from the animal. When possible, travel as a group and make noise or carry something that makes noise, such as a bell, keys, or whistle.

Residents are asked to notify either the Conservation Office at 1-877-356-2029 or the RCMP at 250-762-3300 if they see a bear (911 should be used in the case of an emergency only).

If during working hours, please notify staff at the Parkinson Recreation Centre.

Yesterday's sighting follows weeks of bear encounters in the Okanagan valley and wasn't the first bear encounter at the recreation centre.

In August of 2005, a black bear was tracked down and captured at Parkinson Recreation Centre after being spotted rummaging through garbage in the Knox Mountain area.