Number of black bears killed in B.C. lowest in a decade, conservation service says

The number of black bears killed by conservation officers was down nearly 50 per cent in 2024.

That’s according to the BC Conservation Officer Service, who said via social media on Tuesday that officers put down 303 bears last year, almost exactly half of the 603 bears killed in 2023.

According to the BC COS, this represented the lowest number since predator statistics were first published in 2011.

“While it is encouraging to see fewer black bear conflicts and black bears dispatched overall, the public continues to have a critical role to play in reducing human-wildlife conflicts. Human-wildlife conflict is complex and cannot be solved by the COS alone,” said Cam Schley, chief conservation officer.

The BC COS said 10,000 fewer black bear conflict calls were made last year when compared to 2023. A total of 17,345 calls were made in 2024 it added.

An abundance of natural food sources directly contributed to fewer bears making their way into communities, leading to less human-bear conflict, the conservation service explained.

“Attractants continue to drive a significant number of bear conflicts across B.C. Residents, businesses, and communities all need to do their part to secure attractants — such as garbage, pet food, and birdseed — to help keep people safe and wildlife wild,” Schley said.