Re: Bear spotted in back yard, published June 22, 2012
I have my doubts that this bear was relocated. A “conditioned” bear is one that has had previous contact with people and was rewarded with food or trash. These bears are usually tagged. They only get one chance if they are removed from another area. I remember a bear in Harrison a few years back that was not tagged but was put down by conservation officers the next day. The bear in question was eating fat outside a local restaurant. I remember tourists taking pictures of this bear on Harrison Road. The conservation office told me at that time that there already was relocated bears in Harrison and there was nowhere close to relocate any more bears, that’s why this one was put down.
In 2009 another bear incident prompted me to write a letter to the editor and talk to mayor and council. This bear was found on Chestnut Ave. I am not sure what happened to this bear but im sure his fate was the same as the other bear.
Still years later nothing has been done to save our local bears. Here I am writing another letter to the editor to let people know a FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR.
Please, please stay safe and bear proof your yards & homes.
1. Keep garbage locked away until garbage pickup day. Use an animal safe garbage can.
2. Harvest fruit and vegetables as they ripen and pick up fallen fruit. Bears also love clover so keep your lawns mowed.
3. Feed pets inside and store their food inside.
4. Lock up and clean barbecue grills immediately after use.
5. Feed birds only in the winter when they need it and when bears are hybernating. Bears love bird food and hummingbird feeders. If you want to put out feeders make sure its not near trees or fences where bears can reach.
6. Never store or throw food outside. Bears can even tear open a locked freezer.
7. Do not leave coolers, pet food or any food in your car and remember to close your windows when parked.
8. Don’t leave doors or windows in your house open at night.
9. Compost using a 2 to 1 dry/wet ratio.
10. Educate or speak to your neighbors about bear proofing their homes too.
Keep these 10 rules handy and help keep Harrison bear free so no more bears have a death sentence. These ideas are great for people in both rural and urban homes.
Sandra Denisuk
