Three young, adult male black bears were executed by BC conservation officers this week in the Ucluelet area to ensure public safety.
One of the black bears was killed on Wednesday, July 9, after multiple reports over several days of the animal accessing garbage and non-natural food from a campground, including accounts of the bear breaking into tents to access food, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS).
A second bear was executed on July 9 and another was killed on July 8. Both bears were seen busting into garbage bins, as well as breaking into occupied residential homes in search of food, causing property damage.
“One of those bears also approached a group of children near a resort, while the other bear guarded garbage cans at a different resort as officers arrived,” COS said in an email statement.
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Mayco Noel is the co-owner of Ozzard Environmental, Ucluelet’s garbage and recycling service provider. He is the former mayor of the town and a newly re-elected councillor.
He said the bear that became habituated to the resort was a direct result of tourists putting fish waste into cardboard bins.
“We have many bear-proof bins out there. Unfortunately, cardboard bins are right beside them and we have people that don’t respect the environment that they’re in. That’s what happened at the (resort), tourists were putting the wrong product in the cardboard bin. I think, literally, the bear was shot inside the cardboard bin,” said Noel.
“Fish waste should be disposed in a lockable bear-proof, metal bin, not into plastic Rubbermaid totes,” he continued.
COS says the majority of reports related to all three bears occurred during daytime hours when people were present. They told the Ha-Shilth-Sa that they continue to receive reports of additional bears in the Ucluelet area displaying similar food-conditioned behaviour.
“Bears with a conflict history that no longer fear people are not candidates for rehabilitation or relocation, as the risk to public safety is too great,” said COS Sgt. Dan Eichstadter. “We continue to urge residents, visitors, campers and businesses to ensure their attractants are securely stored. It’s the best way to help keep people and bears safe.”
Roadside organics collection launched in Ucluelet in winter 2022. Noel does not see this relatively new service as the reason for the so-called ‘garbage bears’ acting especially aggressive this summer.
“Before that, it would just be regular garbage can we’d put outside,” he said.
He thinks, often times, conflict arises due to poor waste management by the residents and commercial vendors.
“You get away not locking (your bin) all winter and when the bears show up in June and it’s too late,” said Noel, adding that better bylaw patrols and stiffer fines might ease wildlife-human conflict.
COS are continuing to monitor bear activity in the area and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety. They are asking residents to ensure doors, windows and garages are not left open.
“Bears can follow the scent of food right into your home. Securing and monitoring your home in bear country is essential,” said COS.
For safety tips and resources to help reduce human-wildlife conflict, visit: WildSafeBC.com.
Report all wildlife conflicts to the COS RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
