By Wildlife Aware

So now that the snow is gone in town who is ready to think about autumn?  OK, so let’s enjoy some warm weather first, but really, planning ahead is a great idea. Do you have a fruit tree that is a ‘bit out of control?’ Or one that you don’t collect the fruit from?  A crabapple perhaps?  Now is the time to prune! By acting now you can reduce your workload later.

Fruit is the second largest attractant, after garbage, for bringing bears into the community. Other wildlife, including deer, are also attracted to the fruit and the less fruit available the better.  Pruning a fruit tree to a more manageable size allows for ease of picking later and can reduce excess fruit.  Pruning also invigorates the limb and results in strong growth close to the pruning cut by reducing the number of shoots so remaining shoots are stimulated.

If you do not want the fruit, you can prune the tree vigorously to prevent blossoms or spray spring blossoms with a garden hose to knock them off. If you no longer want to manage your tree, consider replacement with a native, non-fruit bearing variety.

Conservation officers throughout the East Kootenay respond to bear sightings when there is a threat to public safety or property. A sighting or the presence of a bear does not constitute a threat to property or public safety.Typically, no attempt will be made to remove, relocate, or destroy the animal.

Report all bear sightings and wildlife conflict to 1-877-952-7277. For information relating to wildlife in our communities and attractant management please contact Wildlife Aware at 250-520-0411 or like us on Facebook at East Kootenay Wildlife Aware.

Wildlife Aware is an educational program sponsored through the Columbia Basin Trust, the BC Conservation Foundation, Interior Reforestation and the Cities of Cranbrook and Kimberley.

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