LETTER: A fed bear is a dead bear, and DON’T blame the Conservation Officers!
I have never written a letter to a newspaper about anything. But I feel this message needs to get get out there.
A bear trap has been set up, to catch a bear that has become habituated to humans. I’m sure the bear that will be trapped and shot. I would like to say a big (sarcastic) THANKS to all the people who leave their garbage out, and leave their fruit unpicked. These actions are what caused the bear to become habituated. The bear’s pending death was totally preventable … but no. Instead a call goes out to the Conservation Officers, saying that this bear is now not easily scared off and that people want him gone!
[sam id=”15″ codes=”true”]The trap has been set: another habituated bear will be destroyed!
It is NOT the Conservation Officers’ fault. They are not to blame. When you have a bear in your yard, you NEED to ask yourself, “Why is it here?” And then you have to remove the attractant. Human Education is key.
We need to manage the attractants that endanger bears. We need to manage the attractants to protect our community.
Another bear that didn’t have to die will now be shot. And those who encourage bears to become habituated by leaving their garbage out overnight or not cleaning up around their fruit trees are the direct cause. Smarten up.
Heather Maricle
Sooke
It’s the very sad truth. Lazy people are causing the deaths of these bears – we have moved into their habitat – show some RESPECT for their lives. Our CO’S are trained and Conservationists who do not want to kill these animals but their first responsibility is public safety and when people completely disregard their responsibilities when moving out here, these men and women have to make the very tough decisions. So, people, accept the responsibilities that comes with living in their habitat, and save their lives. Do the right thing.
You nailed it Launa!
It’s frustrating when people don’t accept responsibility. I live in Sooke and grew up in a logging camp, I know the reality.
And with all the development in the Westshore, where are bears, deer and others to go? People need to take responsibility for there actions!!
It’s not that more people are living here its that we are making attractive for animals to live with us. Talk to any old timer and they will say we have far more bears and deers around than in the past.
No sh!T When will people learn? And when will people be charged???? Geezus
And yes the CO’S are to blame. Many more times than not the animals are fine
In one post you say it’s people who leave stuff that attract the bears, in the next post you say it’s the CO’S fault. I’m confused. LoL
We live in bear country and should learn to expect to deal with bears in Sooke – no matter what part of the community you live in. Preventing and/or reducing conflict with bears,necessarily means managing your own human activity and behavior.
The Black Bear is an intelligent animal, with the ability to remember food locations and can quickly become accustomed to human sources of food.
If they’ve had luck finding food, some bears lose their fear and start visiting regularly looking for something to eat. These bears can become persistent.
People who don’t manage their garbage are creating problems for everyone.
If you live in Sooke, chances are good that you have bears for neighbors. How well you get along with these somewhat gluttonous neighbors depends on you. Although bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans, they are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available, or when they are easy to obtain.
Is your residence free of food odors that may attract a hungry bear’s attention? Garbage, bird food, pet food, fruit trees, and outdoor grills are the most common bear invitations.
Remember——-to change the behavior of bears, we must first change our own. Don’t wait until you have a problem, then blame a conservation officer, who job it is to keep our community safe. It is our responsibility if we choose to live in bear country to learn how to live with bears.
The message is, be responsible…first, be very diligent not to give bears any access to food, garbage, chickens, livestock, fruit trees, dog food, bird feeders or any type of attractants.
This is an effective and proven, long-term solution for reducing human-bear conflicts. Our program relies upon everyone in all neighbourhoods working co-operatively to build more sustainable and safer communities
If I feed a bear on my own property, in my backyard, and he gets used to me, and doesn’t run away, and I call the Conservation Officer, and he comes and sets a trap, and the bear gets into the trap, and then the Conservation officer shoots the bear, does that mean I get to keep the bear rug? Just askin’.