Everyone gets a little more active in the spring, including wildlife.

Shaunna McInnis of East Kootenay Wildlife Aware reports numerous bear sightings in both Kimberley and Cranbrook.

"There's been a bear getting into garbage in downtown Kimberley," McInnis said. "There's a sow and cub in Marysville. In Cranbrook, there is a bear getting into garbage in the Pinecrest area. There have been several bear sightings in the Community Forest. If you are hiking or biking in the Community Forest, make noise, travel in packs and keep your kids close. Bring bear spray along too.

"There was also a sow with three cubs on the Rails to Trails on the Cranbrook end. The sow bluff charged a person, so be aware."

The message is the same to residents of both cities - reduce attractants. Make sure your garbage is locked up, bring the bird feeders in for the summer.

Another issue that residents also need to be aware of is that deer will be fawning very shortly.

"Be aware and keep your distance," McInnis said. "They are likely to fawn anywhere, including your yard. If you find a fawn, keep away. If Mom is not around, it doesn't mean the fawn was abandoned. Mom's will often leave for parts of the day to feed and then return."

During this season, deer can be quite aggressive. McInnis advised being aware when walking your dog.

"Drop the leash if the deer starts chasing. If the dog is not on the leash, it doesn't seem as threatening to the deer, plus the dog can run faster than you. If you put a solid object like a tree between you and the deer, that's usually enough."

And call the RAPP line for any sighting - 1-877-952-7277. The RAPP line does not bring a conservation officer, but does provide valuable information about just where people are encountering wildlife.

McInnis also keeps people updated about wildlife activity through the East Kootenay Wildlife Aware Facebook page. She will be posting a map showing where bears have been sighted, and is running a draw for a can of bearspray for those who 'like' the page.

Call McInnis at 250-520-0411 for information about wildlife educa