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Third grizzly destroyed this year in Elk Valley
Hikers also bluff charged by a grizzly bear and cubs on Mt Baldy trail
WildSafeBC Elk Valley reports this morning that a grizzly bear has been killed near Elkford after taking what humans are leaving for it; it is the third grizzly destroyed this year in the Elk Valley.
“We, the people, contributed to the death of this bear by approaching it or feeding it, by intent or neglect with garbage left outdoors and apples on the trees or windfall fruit rotting on the ground! Repeated exposure to people led to the grizzly bear posing a threat to human safety and ultimately its death,” WildSafeBC Elk Valley stated.
“Why don’t we just move bears out of town so they can live in the forest? The Conservation Officer Service used to regularly trap and relocate bears. Then, in the late 1980s this practice was questioned. As a result, relocated bears were marked with an ear tag when they were released. Some were radio collared and tracked.
“Two things became apparent: The survival rate of relocated bears was very low. The bears often fail to adapt to their new habitat and may starve to death or be killed by animals that already occupy the area. And most relocated bears were finding their way back into their original home territory or become problem’ animals in other communities.”
The grizzly bear that was destroyed last week had originally come from Alberta, identified by an ear tag. This bear had a long history of aversive conditioning in order to move him away from people and communities. He then made his way to Elkford. The bear was unresponsive to further efforts to move him out of town with rubber bullets and cracker shells. He was given many chances but ultimately found himself posing a threat to human safety and had to be destroyed, WildSafeBC related.
“Relocating bears is not a solution. Keeping garbage stored indoors until collection day, cleaning up fruit trees and securing wildlife attractants is the best way to keep people safe, prevent property damage, and avoid the unnecessary killing of bears that come into conflict with people.”
Recent Wildlife sightings
Fernie
Two hikers were bluff charged by a grizzly bear and cubs on Mt Baldy trail. Bear sightings reported in James White Park and at the top of Cemetery Bypass trail, Montane trails and Stove trail.
Elkford
A second grizzly bear has been reported throughout Elkford.
For more information on preventing human/wildlife conflict
Lead image of the grizzly in Elkford from WildSafeBC Elk Valley
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