Large black bear seen prowling Coldstream orchards

Photo: The Canadian Press

Coldstream residents are being urged to keep their eyes out for a large bear roaming the Kidston Road-Palfrey Drive area.

It's that time of year when bears typically move down from higher elevations, attracted by the smell of ripening apple orchards as they fatten up for their winter hibernation.

Coldstream resident Bill Ross alerted neighbours to the black bear's presence via Facebook.

"Attention Coldstream Palfrey Road west residents! A massive black bear is roaming the apple orchards above Kidston Road," he wrote.

Ross estimated the bear at 350-400 pounds in size.

Every year, the BC Conservation Officer Service also reminds residents to not leave unsecured garbage outside, as it can also attract bears.

Once a bear has become accustomed to garbage foraging, officers are left with little choice but to euthanize the animals, as they typically return even after being relocated into the wilderness.