The Village of Kaslo regulates domestic animals and wildlife attractants through municipal bylaws designed to protect public safety, support responsible pet ownership, and reduce conflicts between people and wildlife.

Residents may report bylaw concerns to the Village Office. Where appropriate, bylaw enforcement action may be initiated following the receipt and investigation of a complaint.

If an animal poses an immediate threat to public safety, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Animal Control

Keeping animals within Village boundaries is regulated by the Dog Licensing Bylaw and Prohibited Animals Bylaw.

Important Reminders for Dog Owners

• All dogs owned by Village residents must be licensed through the Village of Kaslo.
• When reporting a dog-related concern, photographs along with the date, time, and location of the incident can assist staff in investigating the matter.
• Municipal ticketing provisions are in effect and may be used where warranted.
• Dogs found running at large may be impounded.
• Impounded dogs will not be released until all applicable fines, fees, and boarding charges have been paid.
• If local kennel space is unavailable, impounded dogs may be transported to another facility for care.

Reducing Conflict with Wildlife

Kaslo is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bears, deer, cougars, coyotes, and other species. Living alongside wildlife is part of what makes our community special, but it also requires residents and visitors to take steps to avoid attracting wildlife into residential and commercial areas. Supporting education to reduce human-wildlife conflict and reducing wildlife attractants are identified community objectives. 

How You Can Help

Residents and visitors can help reduce wildlife conflicts by:

• Securing garbage, recycling, and compost.
• Picking fruit as it ripens and removing fallen fruit.
• Avoiding the feeding of wildlife.
• Storing pet food and livestock feed securely.
• Keeping yards, sheds, and outdoor storage areas clean and free of attractants.
• Supervising pets and keeping dogs leashed where appropriate.
• Driving carefully, particularly at dawn and dusk when wildlife activity is often higher.
• Learning about local wildlife and sharing information with visitors and neighbours.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife should always be viewed from a safe distance. Never approach, feed, or attempt to interact with wild animals. If wildlife is encountered:

• Give the animal space and an opportunity to move away.
• Keep children and pets under close control.
• Leave the area if the animal appears aware of your presence.
• Report public safety concerns to the appropriate authorities.

Community Responsibility

Preventing wildlife conflicts is a shared responsibility. By reducing attractants and respecting wildlife habitat, residents and visitors can help keep wildlife wild, protect public safety, and reduce the likelihood of animals becoming dependent on human sources of food.

To report dangerous wildlife, injured wildlife or wildlife in conflict please call the RAPP (Conservation Officer Service) line at 1-877-952-7277 

WildSafeBC

WildSafeBC is a provincial program that helps communities reduce conflicts between people and wildlife through education, outreach, and stewardship. The program promotes practical actions such as securing attractants, managing fruit trees and waste, and understanding how to safely coexist with wildlife. By working together, residents can help keep wildlife wild and our community safe. 

Learn More: WildSafeBC. The local coordinator can be reached at kaslo@wildsafebc.com during the May-October season. 

Living with Bears in Kaslo

Kaslo is fortunate to be surrounded by natural wildlife habitat, including habitat for black bears. Bears are a normal part of life in our region, and most conflicts can be prevented when residents and visitors remove attractants and practice Bear Smart behaviours.

When bears gain access to human food, garbage, fruit, bird seed, compost, or other attractants, they can become conditioned to returning to residential areas. This creates safety concerns for people, increases property damage, and can ultimately result in bears being relocated or destroyed. 

Help Keep Bears Wild

Residents and visitors can help reduce bear conflicts by:

• Storing garbage, recycling, and compost in secure containers.
• Placing waste carts out only on collection day.
• Cleaning outdoor grills after use.
• Removing bird feeders when bears are active in the area.
• Picking fruit as it ripens and collecting fallen fruit promptly.
• Storing pet food indoors and feeding pets inside whenever possible.
• Keeping sheds, garages, and outbuildings closed and secure.
• Reporting wildlife concerns through appropriate channels.

Bear Safety Tips

If you encounter a bear:

• Remain calm and do not run.
• Give the bear plenty of space and a clear escape route.
• Keep dogs leashed and under control.
• Back away slowly while facing the bear.
• Leave the area if the bear shows interest in food, garbage, or other attractants.

Learn More

For additional information about living safely with bears and reducing attractants around your property, visit the Bear Smart program: Get Bear Smart