Bear destroyed in Squamish, enforcement of unlocked totes on the way

A black bear has been destroyed in Squamish by authorities.

The District of Squamish and Conservation Officer Service issued a joint press release on September 13th saying that the bear was euthanized on September 10th in the community. The 3-5 year old bear male bear is said to have become food conditioned and habituated to humans, representing a serious threat to public safety.

The Conservation Officer Service says the bear was frequenting Garibaldi Estates and that education, patrols, signage and enforcement were all methods used in an attempt to avoid this outcome.

Residents are being reminded that with summer coming to a close bear activity is on the increase in the community as they search for food sources in an effort to fatten up for hibernation, and have been sighted accessing fruit trees and garbage in most neighbourhoods.

The District of Squamish asks that residents immediately adopt the following attractant management best practices in an effort to ensure neighbourhoods remain safe and bears remain wild:

• Domestic fruit trees are not a natural food source for bears and allowing them access to the fruit encourages human habituation and a reliance on human-generated food. Pick fruit as it ripens or pick un-ripened fruit and allow it to ripen indoors. Consider using a portable electric fence to protect your harvest.
• Garbage and organics totes should be stored in a secure location such as a garage if at all possible. If stored outdoors, totes should remain locked at all times and unlocked and placed curbside only on the morning of collection.
• Reduce odours by freezing odorous food scraps and rinsing all recycling.

Enforcement of unlocked totes and other attractants is being pursued by District Bylaw Officers over the coming days and weeks.