Conservation officers urge residents to keep pumpkins indoors in order to deter bears

The BC Conservation Officer Service is asking residents to be safe with their Halloween festivities this year.

According to the service, one of the classics that should be revisited is the act of leaving Jack-O-Lanterns out on the front porch. The decoration seems like a fun idea, though they can invite unwelcomed guests.

"They may seem like only a seasonal decoration but your Halloween Jack-O-Lantern could also attract a hungry bear," wrote the service.

Bears are in the process of adding extra weight for hibernation. These animals love the smell of pumpkins.

"As bears look to pack on calories before denning, the scent of a carved pumpkin on a front porch could bring a bear right to your door, which creates a risk to public safety."

The service is recommending that residents only leave their works of art out on Halloween night before disposing of them.

"Make sure the only guest on your front porch is a trick-or-treater!"