An adult black bear was killed by Conservation Officer Service after it demonstrated ‘escalating behaviour’ that posed a significant risk to public safety.
The bear was initially reported on July 5 after gaining access to human food and garbage in Rebagliati Park. The Conservation Officer Service (COS), RMOW and RCMP made multiple attempts to minimize further conflict.
Rebagliati Park was closed and a wildlife alert was issued to inform the public and multiple attempts were made to haze the bear. Despite these efforts, the bear’s behaviour continued to escalate and it had been reported bluff charging, approaching people and had made contact with a person.
Please report encounters with bears to the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS) at 1-877-952-7277. Calling the COS early gives them more options to manage the bear.
I think that the bear should have been trapped and relocated. I have no respect for any conservation officer that puts a bear down because they are aggressive. Any person that becomes a conservation officer in my opinion is a loser.