Clearing of Squamish Valley Music Festival (SVMF) campsite has stopped after a mother black bear and her two cubs were spotted on the property.
On Tuesday (March 18), a contractor removing bush from the site located between Aspen Road and Pioneer Ways beside Queens Way spotted the black bears. Work was suspended on the eastern side of the property, while equipment was pulled back 300 metres, said Paul Runnals, the SVMF's executive producer. District of Squamish officials, conservations officers, WildSafe BC and environmental consultants were contacted.
Wildlife is active within that area, but an environmental assessment by Cascade Environmental Resource Group Ltd completed in January and two independent assessments didn't uncover any bear dens, Runnals said. Work on the property has been suspended while municipal staff and conversation officers look into the sightings, he said.
We are following the process, Runnals said, adding engines won't start up until officials are sure the bear family is safe.
Cascade Environment's principal Mike Nelson said the bears were still in the area just before noon on Wednesday (March 19). Before clearing began two biologists from Cascade scoured the land including one with a specialized Karelian bear dog. WildSafe BC community coordinator Meg Toom also examined the property. Environmental consultants found a summer day bed bears had used, however there was no sign of a den, he said.
The area is not a good place for bears to hang out, Nelson said, noting it's bordered by an industrial park, residential neighbourhood and Highway 99. If the bears are living there, they would likely be scavenging garbage, he noted.
The key at the moment is not to spook the mother bear, Nelson said. Unlike Grizzly bears, black bears are more likely to abandon their cubs if they become afraid. As a result, officials are asking the public to stay away from the area.
Keep away from the area especially with dogs, Nelson said.
The Ministry of Environment (MOE) wildlife experts and the Conservation Officer Service are still investigating the bear family sighting and preparing recommendations, the municipality's general manager of corporate services Robin Arthurs said. While the investigation is underway, new tree cutting is temporarily suspended. The MOE is allowing ongoing removal of vegetation that's already been cut on the west end of the property along Queens Way, Arthurs added.
The Squamish Chief will update this story as new information is available.
