A scrawny, bow-legged bear that got a police escort out of Ladysmith last week has a date with the veterinarian after making a return.
Brown Drive Park has now reopened after B.C. Conservation officers tranquillized and captured the bear.
RELATED: Black bear tranquillized, being relocated by conservation officers
Conservation Officer Stuart Bates confirmed this is the same bear seen roaming around Ladysmith last Friday. Conservation officers had relocated the bear to the back of Haslam Creek, approximately 25 kilometres away from town, but the bear came back and was spotted around Brown Drive park yesterday (May 12) in the evening.
“We’re going to tranquillize her again and we’ll take her to a wildlife veterinarian for an examination. She is pretty small for her age, she should be almost twice as big as she is now,” Bates said.
The bear has exhibited comfort around humans and walks with a bowed leg — two key determinations in deciding to take it in for medical examination.
Conservation officers transported the bear safely to a wildlife veterinarian in Nanaimo for examination. The veterinarian determined that the bear was not a suitable candidate for relocation and the bear was euthanized.
RELATED: Bow-legged Ladysmith bear euthanized after vet examination
In a Facebook post, the Town of Ladysmith encouraged residents to keep their garbage bins stored in a secure area to prevent bears from becoming habituated to human food. Bears are also attracted to the scent of fallen fruit from fruit trees and pet foods.
RELATED: Central Island Conservation Service says no more warnings for people who leave out bear attractants
Under the Wildlife Act of B.C. people are required to secure all wildlife attractants or face fines. Bates said that conservation officers will be conducting patrols to make sure residents are following the law. Anyone found in violation of the Wildlife Act can be fined $230.
If you spot wildlife in your area, please report the sighting to the BC Conservation Officer Service reporting line at 1-877-952-7277 or phone the Ladysmith RCMP’s non-emergency line at 250-245-2215.
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