A black bear in Whistler near the Alpine was relocated a short distance according to conservation officers after it attempted to gain access to a secured food storage area.
Sea To Sky Zone Conservation Officer Service Tim Schumacher sent out a press release Tuesday (Aug. 7) regarding the incident.
In the release he added there was an additional report in the same area of a bear breaking into a vehicle to gain access to food and garbage.
“The Conservation Officer Service warns that vehicles need to be free of all food and garbage to help prevent property damage and help protect bears,” said the press release. “People who do no secure their attractants could face a charge under the BC Provincial Wildlife Act.”
Feeding dangerous wildlife and depositing a substance to attract dangerous wildlife can each result in a fine of $345 while attracting dangerous wildlife can have a fine of $230.
Camper charged after bear gets into food
A camper at the Cal Cheak Campground has been charged under the wildlife act with attracting dangerous wildlife and fined $230 over the last week.
Schumacher in the press release indicated the campground had an issue with a bear that kept returning after a camper left food out at an unattended campsite.
“Campers are reminded to keep food and garbage secured at all times,” states the release. “Failing to do so could result in the bear being destroyed.”
Bear jams could lead to fines
Schumacher issued a reminder that people should not stop on the side of the highway to view bears as it creates a public safety risk and contributes to habituating bears to humans, which is never good for bears.
Motorist involved in bear jams could be fined $109 under the Motor Vehicle Act.
The public is encouraged to report all sightings/conflicts to our 24/7 Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1877 952 RAPP (7277) or #RAPP on cell phone. Human actions and poor attractant management teach bears negative behaviour. The Conservation Officer Service require these reports to assist in protecting bears by using various techniques in an attempt to correct bear behaviour.
