Conservation Officer Service

Bear Aware

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A fed bear is a dead bear. Most people are not aware of their role in the destruction of bears. If humans allow bears to access non-natural food sources such as garbage, they help to create "problem" bears. In most cases, "problem" bears must be destroyed because they damage property and are a potential threat to human safety.

In 1999, Conservation Officers in British Columbia had to kill 1,138 black bears and 82 grizzlies because of real or perceived threats to human safety. Most of these bears came into conflict with people because they were allowed to access non-natural food sources.