Bear Smart Practices Help Reduce Conflicts

Keep ground-level doors and windows closed when possible

Black bear: file photo.

The bear that was killed in Lions Bay on the weekend had a history of conflict with humans, according to BC Conservation Service (BCCOS).

The adult animal, light brown in colour, was shot by a Conservation Officer after gaining entry through an open window to a home on Oceanview Road on Sunday.

Sea to Sky Zone BCCOS Sergeant Chris Doyle said the tag found in the bear's ear indicated that the bear had a history of breaking into other structures, and had caused property damage in the past by forcing his way into buildings.

"Bears that enter homes aren't suitable for translocation due to the level of conflict and the public risk," Doyle said.

The Watershed contacted Councillor Neville Abbott, who acts as council liaison for the Lions Bay Bear Smart team for comment.

"This is the third bear destroyed in Lions Bay in the last few years, all of which related to a bear entering a property through an open window or door," Abbott said.

"The Bear Smart team have been educating residents to keep doors and windows closed unless close by, and how to manage attractants for years. Bears are opportunistic and follow their noses to find food and are quick learners. One small transgression often leads to bigger problems which is why it's so important to make sure to follow Bear Smart practices."

Doyle said that he has known of cases where people who have discovered a bear inside their homes have been successfully able to scare the bear out of the house, but was unable to say if that was attempted in this case.

He added that while this particular bear represented a public safety risk, he urges local homeowners to do what they can to prevent human-bear interaction. "People need to ensure bears don't have access to attractants around the home," he said. "And if they can, try to keep at least the ground floor windows closed when no one is at home."

"The Bear Smart team is always willing to help find solutions or give advice," said Abbott. "Their inbox (lionsbaybearsmart@gmail.com) is monitored every day, year round if you need help."

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