Black bear interactions have become a lot more common as of late, with sightings and interactions up sharply across Metro Vancouver this year.

As bears are getting ready to hibernate, officials say drought and poor crop conditions may be bringing the animals closer as they search for food in nearby communities.

So far this year, conservation officers have reported nearly a 17 per cent increase in human interactions with black bears.

“It’s been significantly busier than a normal year would be,” said North Shore Black Bear Society (NSBBS) executive director Holly Reisner.

Between January and July of this year, the NSBBS says, six black bears have been killed in the North Shore, while reports show conservation officers have killed more than 130 across the province during that span.

Longtime North Shore resident Hazel Mackie says her dog, Lucy, had an encounter with a bear just a few days ago. Fortunately, Lucy was on a leash and was not hurt.

“I don’t know what she would have done if she were off leash,” she said.

Mackie says she has noticed a lot more bear sightings in her neighbourhood recently, and she is not alone in having made this observation. Maplewood Flats Conservation Trail was closed after five bears were spotted in the area in the past few weeks. Another local, David, said he saw a bear at Trout Lake two days ago.

The NSBBS is reminding the public to take simple steps to avoid attracting bears.

“Make sure that when you park your car there’s no food inside, there’s no wrappers,” Reisner said.

“Even something like an air freshener can attract a bear.”

Officials say securing garbage, bird feeders, and outdoor food sources remain the best ways to keep both people and bears safe as the animals look for one last meal before winter.