We have all been enjoying this unseasonably mild winter, perhaps breaking out the bikes early, getting a start on lawn care. The City of Kimberley has even had the street sweeper out.

But another phenomenon is occurring as well due to the warm weather — bears are emerging from hibernation extra early.

Kimberley by/law enforcement office Rick Klekowski says that bears have been spotted in town already.

“I’ve talked to the Conservation Officers and they say some bears are waking up and in a couple three weeks they will all be awake.

In light of that, Klekowski is asking residents to remember Kimberley’s garbage bylaw, which states that garbage must be put out the morning of pickup, not the night before.

“Not before 5 a.m. or after 9:30 a.m.,” he said, adding that he would prefer to educate people rather than fine them for garbage infractions.