One of the bears was killed on Wednesday after multiple reports over several days of the animal accessing garbage and other non-natural food from a campground.
UCLUELET — Three young adult male black bears were killed by B.C. conservation officers in the Ucluelet area over a two-day period this week.
One of the bears was killed on Wednesday after multiple reports over several days of the animal accessing garbage and other non-natural food from a campground, including accounts of the bear breaking into tents, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
A second bear was killed the same day, while another was killed on Tuesday. Both bears were seen breaking into garbage bins and homes in search of food, causing property damage.
One of the bears approached a group of children near a resort, while the other bear guarded garbage cans at a different resort as officers arrived, the Conservation Officer Service said in a statement.
Mayco Noel, co-owner of Ozzard Environmental, Ucluelet’s garbage and recycling service provider, said the bear became habituated to the resort as a direct result of tourists putting fish waste into bins intended for cardboard.
“We have many bear-proof bins out there,” said Noel, a town councillor. “Unfortunately, cardboard bins are right beside them.
“I think, literally, the bear was shot inside the cardboard bin.”
Noel said fish waste should be disposed of in a lockable, bear-proof metal bin, not plastic Rubbermaid totes.
The Conservation Officer Service says the majority of reports related to all three bears occurred during daytime hours when people were present.
They said they continue to receive reports of additional bears in the Ucluelet area displaying similar food-conditioned behaviour.
“Bears with a conflict history that no longer fear people are not candidates for rehabilitation or relocation, as the risk to public safety is too great,” said conservation officer Dan Eichstadter in a statement. “We continue to urge residents, visitors, campers and businesses to ensure their attractants are securely stored. It’s the best way to help keep people, and bears, safe.”
While roadside organics collection began in Ucluelet in the winter of 2022, Noel said he doesn’t think the relatively new service is the reason for so-called “garbage bears” acting especially aggressively this summer.
“Before that, it would just be regular garbage cans we’d put outside,” he said.
He said wildlife conflicts often arise due to poor waste management by residents and commercial vendors.
“You get away not locking [your bin] all winter and then the bears show up in June and it’s too late,” said Noel, adding better bylaw patrols and stiffer fines might reduce wildlife-human conflict.
The Conservation Officer Service said it’s continuing to monitor bear activity in the area and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety. They are asking residents to ensure that doors, windows and garages are not left open.
“Bears can follow the scent of food right into your home. Securing and monitoring your home in bear country is essential,” it said.
For safety tips and resources to help reduce human-wildlife conflict, visit:WildSafeBC.com.
Report all wildlife conflicts to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
Nora O’Malley is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with Ha-Shilth-Sa. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.