Managing Bears with the respect they deserve
Under the British Columbia Wildlife Act, Conservation Officers can serve fines for the intentional or unintentional feeding of bears or other wildlife.
If a bear is allowed to repeatedly access human food in our community, it is at risk of an early demise. Relocation is rarely done for black bears. There is more grace given to grizzlies because they are deemed a vulnerable species, however, a grizzly that has been afforded access to human food on multiple occasions, or even sometimes simply at risk of doing so, can face the same consequences. On the rare occasion when relocation is done, the bear may travel back to its original home or, if attractants are not managed, another bear will simply take its place.
SCBA and many other bear and animal advocates in British Columbia are advocating for policy change within the Conservation Officer Service:
WE ARE CALLING FOR:
all orphaned cubs to be afforded continuity of care, and collected and transferred to a licensed rehabilitation facility in a timely manner. ORPHANED CUBS
COS to be placed under independent oversight.
LOBBYING FOR CHANGE IN OUR COMMUNITY
The Sunshine Coast Bear Alliance continues to lobby our local governments to adopt wildlife attractant bylaws including fine schedules. Having bylaws in place is one of the most important components in creating a safe community for bears as well as residents. While the province is responsible for the overall ‘management’ of bears and other wildlife, it is our local governments who are responsible for attractant management bylaws and enforcement.
DECEMBER 15, 2021
More progress was made with the District of Sechelt. Solid Waste Control and Collection Bylaws have been updated with important wildlife attractants clauses. Read updated bylaw HERE
JULY 5, 2021
With the goal of limiting conflicts between humans and bears, the Town of Gibsons has adopted a new Wildlife Bylaw No. 1294. Read more HERE
Coast Reporter ‘Gibsons introduces Wildlife Attractant Bylaw’
