Conservation officers were forced to destroy a black bear in the Elk Valley on June 28, after the animal had been previously captured and relocated.
The cinnamon coloured black bear was food conditioned and therefore had become a nuisance in the community. According to WildSafeBC community coordinator, Kathy Murray, the bear had been moved once before but eventually made its way to Elkford, where it “began repeating previous food conditioned behaviour and was accessing garbage left outdoors.”
One resident was issued a ticket under the BC Wildlife Act for attracting dangerous wildlife to their property with unsecured attractants as a result.
WildSafeBC reminds residents of the Elk Valley to safely secure their garbage and food, as well as any other bear attractants, in order to avoid teaching bears to rely on this food source.
“Food conditioned bears are more likely to get into conflict with people and be a potential safety risk in the community,” Murray explained in a press release.
Residents who want to become more bear aware and to ensure they are currently in compliance with all wildlife safety measures can visit Wildsafebc.com for more information.
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