Please be Bear Aware when using the trails at Maplewood Flats. Frequent bear activity on site since October 4th.
Sunday, October 4, 2026 — Five unique black bears have been sighted multiple times a day on-site. They have been spotted outside buildings, in the barge channel, and the parking lot. So far, all individuals have been respectful, “good” bears, and have moved away from human voices. However, in the case of the juvenile bear, the leaf blower had to be turned on. Sighted bears include:
- a solo juvenile
- solo adult, and
- a mother with two cubs
Since mid-September, there has been a lot of black bear activity at Maplewood Flats. This parallels what is happening across the entire region and into the United States — a low berry and salmon year is creating increasing pressure on bears to find food before winter. Bears that find themselves in “human spaces” have been killed. Because of the density of trails and visitors on site, we are closing the trails to reduce the amount of human-bear contact during this critical feeding time for black bears, before hibernation begins.
As a wildlife habitat and sanctuary located on unceded Coast Salish territories, Maplewood Flats serves as a crucial refuge for these bears to safely prepare for winter without human conflict. Traditional Indigenous knowledge teaches us that in years when salmon runs and berry yields are low, we must yield space and share nature’s bounty with our animal relatives. Seeing them here is a meaningful sign—not only that our habitat restoration efforts are working, but that we are upholding our shared responsibility to coexist respectfully with the wildlife who depend on these lands.
We ask that all visitors remain bear aware. Don’t bring dogs onto site (even on leash), and exercise caution.
The Coast Salish Plant Nursery remains open on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays until October 25th. Staff are still on site.
If you have questions or would like to report a sighting, you can email help@wildbirdtrust.org. If you need immediate assistance, you can call the District Bear Line at 604-990-2327 or the non-emergency police line at 604-985-1311.
