After a resident raised concern about bears in the Okanagan Falls area due to others’ improper garbage storage, a conservation officer addressed the need for community-wide efforts to manage attractants rather than relying on enforcement alone… According to provincial data, about 700 bears were killed last year, largely because they were acclimatized to humans… Unfortunately, as much as everyone would like to see relocation for the bears, once they become garbage-habituated, it’s not possible. “It does not work. There’s very specific circumstances that go into the decision to relocate, and those conditions are not met by a habituated food conditioned bear. It’s a band aid solution to a much bigger problem, makes people feel good thinking that, but it does not work.” says Sgt. James Zucchelli with BC Conservation Officer Services.