Hinton, Alberta, residents are being asked to secure bear attractants like garbage, fallen fruit, and pet food as bears remain active through fall 2026 while searching for food before hibernation.
The Town of Hinton issued a bear awareness alert urging residents to remove anything that could draw bears into yards and neighbourhoods. “Bears remain active into the fall as they search for food before hibernation. Removing attractants now helps keep bears wild, keeps communities safe, and supports their safe passage through the season,” the alert states.
Bears that find food in residential areas become habituated and may have to be destroyed. They are also a danger to residents, children, and pets, and may damage yards, fences, sheds, and other structures. Alberta BearSmart recommends storing garbage in bear-resistant containers, picking fruit as it ripens, cleaning barbeques, and keeping pet food indoors.
Wildlife officials and provincial reports have pointed to a rise in human-bear interactions across the province in 2026, with food-conditioned behaviour identified as a primary concern. Residents can report bear sightings or dangerous wildlife activity by calling the Report A Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800.
Fish and Wildlife officers were expected to present a wildlife briefing to Hinton Town Council on September 15, 2026. Residents can tune in through the Town of Hinton’s online meeting stream. The local Fish and Wildlife office can be reached at 780-865-8264.
Under the Alberta Wildlife Act, it is prohibited to place an attractant where it is accessible to bears, wolves, or cougars. The Town reminds residents that proactive steps now can prevent bears from becoming problem animals in residential areas this fall.
