Whitehorse urges residents not to attract bears

Homeowners in Whitehorse will soon get a checklist in the mail advising how to keep bears away.

Last year 41 bears were euthanized in the Yukon and 38 more had to be relocated from communities.

"Most of the situations last year could have been prevented with just a little bit of forethought and consideration where people live in adjacent to wilderness areas particularly," said Ken Knutson, a manager with Environment Yukon.

The City of Whitehorse aims to educate residents on how not to attract bears into the city by sending out the checklist.

"Common things are garbage and compost but other things that people can watch out for are freezers, fish smokers, meat sheds, pet foodeven pet waste can be an attractant, birdfeeders, barbecues, backyard composters, backyard chickens, those are all things that people can make sure they secure and prevent access to," said Glenda Koh, the citys environmental co-ordinator.

Koh said it's also important for residents to keep their garbage secure until the city picks it up, and that includes not putting it out the night before.