Editor:
I just heard that last fall a beautiful bear and her three cubs were destroyed by a conservation officer. I am stunned and extremely upset because this family came to my pond regularly to swim and hang out. I have videos of them that I shared with people worldwide (Instagram), who were always amazed and delighted. They couldn’t believe I was so lucky to share my space with such beautiful animals. Thanks to the conservation officer, the neighbourhood of Chaster and Pratt Road will no longer be blessed by their presence.
Most people are not aware that when you call a conservation officer regarding bears, you have bestowed a death sentence on them. They are not relocated, they are killed. Also, live trapping is abusive and cruel as they are not always picked up in a timely manner causing extreme suffering to the caged bear.
We have invaded the space of all wildlife on the Coast and in turn should be tolerant of sharing it with them. Remove attractants, accept their rightful presence and don’t call the conservation office.
Sonya Bergen, Gibsons
