Explosive devices to scare bears banned in Vancouver over safety, noise issues

Vancouver City Council has approved a ban on the sale of bear bangers and other exploding animal deterrents within city limits.

Council says the new rule takes effect immediately and violators face a maximum $1,000 fine.

The ban comes as several neighbourhoods have been repeatedly rocked at all hours by blasts from bear bangers, devices with an explosive charge that is supposed to be used to scare away curious bruins.

Council says Vancouver residents who need bear bangers outside the city can buy them online or in neighbouring communities while the city mulls a permitting system to provide the items to pros who use them as part of their job.