By Dave Branco

Bear battle

Battle for coexistence: Prince George’s bear dilemma prompts calls for enhanced measures

Aug 24, 2023 | 2:58 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – This year has been extraordinary, with unprecedented bear sightings in Prince George neighborhoods. One resident is asking the city to revisit the bear problem.

The sighting of bears within city limits is becoming too familiar for some residents. The escalating number of bear encounters has forced Herb Langin to ask the City council to allocate the necessary resources to deal with the bear problem.

According to Langin, bear-human Interactions compromise public safety and endanger bears. He recommends reducing bear conflict by renewing public awareness campaigns, bear-proof bins and strengthening compliance and enforcement measures.

B.C. Conservation officer Eamon McArthur has been overwhelmed by residents’ worries regarding bear sightings, while the four officers in Prince George have had to sort through 1600 calls received regarding black bears since the start of August.

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According to McArthur, bears are more scavengers than hunters and seek the most accessible food sources.

In the first three weeks of August, due to aggressive, threatening behaviours, being highly habituated, and food conditioned to unnatural food sources, the COs have euthanized approximately 21 bears.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

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