You know that there are Bears in Lillooet BC? I know I am told that they are here, I have not seen one at all, lately or even the past couple years. We are told to be cautious of the wildlife around the area. Be mindful that you share this wonderful space with them too.
If your here to visit, you might have a chance to see a bear.
Many others have said, even on their way here, they have seen a bear or two, here in British Columbia. Reminding us that we need to remember this is their home too.
Lillooet sits in an area, surrounded by mountains, grasslands, forests and the river valleys come together. What a great variety we have here that supports the abundance of wildlife, including bears, cougars, deer, coyotes, and eagles and many more other species. Did you know this area is one of the riches wildlife regions in British Columbia.
Understanding bears and the other animals here, will help you to have a good stay here in Lillooet BC. Whether you are here for a couple days or longer. Just know it does help to respect the bears in Lillooet BC, cause this is their home too.
Are There Bears in Lillooet?
Is There Bears in Lillooet BC?
Yes, as I have been told. I have seen some evidence around town that tell sme they are here. I have not seen one, not lately anyways.
The most common one is a black bear. Despite them being called black bears they actually range in color–from black to brown or even cinnamon color. So no thinking that they are just a black bear.
You may just see a bear, when you go out hiking in our territory. Or on occasion, see one just off Main Street. Some are known to be around the Hospital area here in town. Some are seen on the trail that leads up to the High School.
They are also seen around town creek, which flows past Cayoosh Elementary School. Think this is their water source when they are going towards town.
My Own Experience with Living Around Bears
Well I have learned, that this is a part of life. There is so much wildlife here, and of course the bears is one of them. Not that I am a fan of just walking near one or seeing one, when I am out going for a walk. They are here, and I just have to keep my eyes open at all time.
So glad that we do have dogs around where I live. If I hear a dog barking like crazy, it means danger. And I start looking around the area, to see what he’s barking at.
I have had a bear around my home last year. Was told it was just down the street at 11 am, I was just heading to town. But I heard the dogs barking, and it sounded like the bear was over maybe 2-3 blocks over. So I was safe for now. I did end up just continuing with my walk. Cause I believe it was heading in the opposite direction of where I was going.
I have had a bear in my yard, few years ago. I heard something outside, didn’t go and look. But peaked my head out my bedroom window(that has a screen on it). I smelled an awful stink come thru, I was ready to shut my window, when outside all of a sudden got even darker. Cause the bear was right there, close to my window. I did manage to close it.The bear walked right past the window and to the back yard somewhere, and possibly left the yard. No, I did not go and look. I just knew, as I did not smell that awful stink from before.
I have seen some eveidence of a bear around my house, few years ago. Heard that one went past my house last year. Was seen going by our yard, and I was told by my landlord. She just pulled in and seen the bear passing the house. That was a real close call.
Experience 14 years ago
Another encounter was about 14 years ago, when I lived in a different house. We would always have a bear visit our yard every summer. Mainly cause we had a peach, pear, and two apple trees. My dog Cassie would chase that bear up the big Pine tree in the yard. And I do remember seeing this bear just walking down the street around 6 am. Or even around 2 am, I could clearly see it because of the street lights. They lite up the whole area where we were. Which was great, so you could see a bear or a cougar if it was around at the time the lights were on.
Since we had those fruit trees the bear would always come back. We picked all the fruit when they were ready. Hoping they would last before the bear got them. The bear of course would only take a bite and then move onto the next apple. Bears seemed to like the apples more than peaches. Didn’t bother the pear tree, that usually got ruined by the bees.
So it helps to know what they like and just remember to care for your fruit trees if you have them in your yard.
I Seen Baby Deer in My Yard
I have also been very lucky to see some baby deer staying on the other side of the house. I had seen two babies, and now I only see one baby. Again, remembering the ecosystem and how things are around here. Keeps the deer population down.
These little babies were too cute. They were so small, just followed the Mama around. Till they got older, and I seen them walk around the yard, and then they left. I see the one deer and baby once in a while. Not so much as when they were little.
I have heard couple weeks ago, a bear killed a baby deer while momma watched. Screaming at the bear to stop. There is not anything we can do about this, but let it take its course.
When will You See Bears Active in Lillooet?
Bears are mostly around from Spring through Fall.
- Spring: Coming out from their winter dens,and looking for some fresh vegetation, grass and the new plants coming out.
- Summer: They are out looking for berries, insects, and other foods they can find. Traveling all over looking for their food too.
- Fall: Their busiest time ever, cause this is when they need to fatten up. They will spend most of their time looking for food that helps them build their fat reserves.
Visitors that are around on the trails, or campgrounds, or on the backroads need to be alert during these seasons. Cause you know that they are out looking for food. May even be hiding inside a bush, and you may just walk right by one. Not even knowing that a bear is even in there.
Why are Bears Seen Near Town
Bears are very curious and like to explore and check out what there is to eat.
They are attracted to:
- Fruit Trees
- Garbage
- Compost
- Pet food
- Bird Feeders
- Livestock Feed
We are encourged to do what is needed to reduce as many attractants as we can.
How to Manage your Attractants
The attractants are:
Fruit trees& berry bushes- pick all your ripened fruit and berry bushes and to not let the windfalls accumalate on the ground.
Bird feeders- only feed the birds during the winter
Feed Pets Indoors–If you do feed them outside, take in right away once they are done.
BBQ- Keep them clean and free from any odors. Make sure to burn off your grill each time and to also clean the grease traps too.
Composts-Keep an equal amount of green and brown materials.
Chickens, bees or small livestock- Have an electric fence. Don’t store any feed outside and store it in a secured location. Make sure the feeding area is all clean and free of any food, when they are done eating.
What You Do If You See a Bear
Its best to keep your distance when you see one, don’t get close.
If you see a bear:
- Don’t run
- Stay calm
- Keep your dogs on the leash, and under control.
- Give them plenty of space.
- Speak in a calm voice.
- Back away slowly, facing the bear, don’t turn your back.
- Never go and get closer for pictures.
Always make sure to allow the bear to have its space. Walk away and don’t surprise the bear or walk close to it. Best just to keep on moving and leave the bear alone.
The Other Wildlife You May See Here in Lillooet
Bears are the ones most people see or hear about. But they are not the only ones around.
This region also is the home to:
- Mule deer
- Cougars
- Bighorn Sheep
- Coyotes
- Bald Eagles
- Golden Eagles
- Ospry
- Bobcats
For everything you see here, Bears in Lillooet BC is one of the most people have interest in. Maybe cause you can get so close to one, only because they can be seen in town. But gladly it is mostly at times when the town is quiet and its either dark or dusk.
Want to know all the animals that call this region home, visit our Wildlife in Lillooet BC page.
Explore the Bear Country Along the Fraser River
Many visitors see a bear exploring the Fraser River, or even visiting one of our other rivers in the area.
The river provides food, water and a travel route for many species, bear being one of them. If you plan to check out the river, be sure to read my guide to the Fraser River in Lillooet to learn more about the ecosystem and its role in the region.
Final Thoughts
Once you see a bear, that is something you never forget.
No matter, if you seen it on a hillside close to a creek. Or even spotting it walking down the road past your place. These are the stories I will always carry with me. Maybe while you were here visiting you came across a bear too. Reminding you of how beautiful Lillooet is and all the other wildlife that lives here too.
For many of us that live here, bears are just another part of our country. We do all we do so we don’t attract them, keeping both of us safe. Respecting nature and living to enjoy all of it here.
Seeing a bear in the wild is something many people never forget.
Whether it’s a glimpse of a black bear crossing a hillside or spotting one from a safe distance along a backroad, these moments remind us how wild and beautiful the Lillooet area truly is.
For those of us who live here, bears are simply part of the landscape. They remind us that we share this incredible place with wildlife and that respecting nature is one of the best ways to experience everything Lillooet has to offer.
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