Langley bear relocated from Coquitlam put down by BCCOS
Posted September 26, 2023 10:55 am.
Last Updated September 26, 2023 10:57 am.
A bear that was captured on camera roaming around parts of Langley and Surrey over the weekend has been put down, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS).
The BCCOS says police received “numerous calls” about the black bear on Sunday, and conservation officers were dispatched “to ensure public safety.”
“The bear had reportedly travelled past Walmart and the Willowbrook Mall and was at an apartment complex across from the Fraser Highway,” the BCCOS said in an email to CityNews.
The sow was eventually found and tranquillized, the service adds.
It notes the bear had an ear tag, signalling that it had previously been in contact with the BCCOS.
“The bear had been relocated from Coquitlam in mid-August. It returned to a high-density urban setting only weeks later,” the BCCOS explained.
The service says it learned that in the weeks since the bear’s relocation, the bear was also “accessing non-natural food sources, such as garbage.” The BCCOS also received reports that people had been feeding the animal — which is illegal under the Wildlife Act and is being investigated.
Due to the bear’s history and the food-related learnings, the BCCOS says it was forced to euthanize the bear.
“We know this is an unfortunate outcome we work so hard to prevent,” the service’s email continues.
People are being reminded that the Wildlife Act states, “a person must not intentionally feed or attempt to feed dangerous wildlife,” and must not “provide, leave or place an attractant in, on or about any land or premises with the intent of attracting dangerous wildlife.”
Heavy penalties can apply to anyone who breaches the act.
The BC Conservation Officer Service says “preventing bear conflicts is a community effort,” adding people should secure garbage and other attractants “to help keep people and bears safe.”
You can report aggressive or threatening bears, as well as the feeding of bruins and other dangerous animals, to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
