A bear that was reportedly being hand-fed by a Chilliwack resident has been "destroyed," according to an Oct. 10 social media post from the Conservation Officer Service.
The bear was a sow with two cubs, who have now had to be taken to a rehabilitation centre. The cubs will be relocated next spring, they said.
Conservation officers are continuing to investigate information provided by the public that an individual was "found hand-feeding a sow and two cubs in a residential neighbourhood."
The press release came with a reminder about why people need to leave bears alone, and take precautions to ensure they don't become comfortable with humans.
"Feeding dangerous wildlife, such as bears, creates a serious public safety risk," they added. "Wildlife fed by humans lose their sense of fear and associate people as a source to get food, as opposed to foraging for their natural nutrients.
"As a direct result from this individual feeding the family unit of bears, the sow had to be destroyed, and the two cubs were taken to a rehabilitation center so they can be relocated next spring."
They credited the organization WildSafeBC with helping keep communities like Chilliwack aware of the risks of interacting with wildlife, including attractant management.
"Their team has worked diligently in Chilliwack," they said. "Conservation Officers are appreciative of the community members who continue to prioritize the safe co-existence of humans and wildlife."
Black bears are the most commonly reported wildlife in Chilliwack, according to a City of Chilliwack web page that is dedicated to the issue.
The service did not share details of the investigation, including when the bears were seen being fed, or when it was destroyed. Bear sightings have been on the rise in Chilliwack over the last several weeks, as the bears get ready to hibernate later this winter.
Notably, one bear roaming through Chilliwack on Oct. 9 caught the attention of residents and security officers. It spent some time in Salish Park before ambling down Ontario Avenue, Mary Street, Edward Street and Hodgins Avenue. It then climbed a tree where it remained for several hours.
