BURSTA Nelson grizzly cub has been euthanized by B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) on Aug. 27, just two weeks after being relocated to Christina Lake.
The cub’s sibling and mother, the grizzly sow, were put down earlier this month in Nelson.
The yearling was relocated along with its sister to an undisclosed location, but was soon spotted by locals in Christina Lake.
“Officers received complaints that a yearling grizzly bear entered in and around the community of Christina Lake. Unfortunately, the bear got into unnatural food sources and became familiar with people, showing no fear of humans,” said Andrew Milne, deputy chief conservation officer.
Milne said the BCCOS were forced to dispatch the yearling on Thursday.
“The male unfortunately moved down south towards Christina Lake and has been in and around the community for a number of days now,” said Garth Mowat, wildlife biologist for the Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Sustainability.
The BCCOS is continuing to monitor the remaining yearling.
“I’m hopeful she will not go into town and find a place to live, as long as she does not stay in the community and present a public safety risk,” said Mowat.
The decision to move the yearlings to Christina Lake was to give the bears better access to natural food and resources than they were finding in Nelson.
“We moved them to give them one more chance for them to revert to natural food and we did not want to lose the whole family group. We also knew that it is a long shot, especially as this bear had been in human food last year,” Mowat said.
Milne says the public plays a role too, and can prevent grizzly bears, as well as other wildlife, from depending on communities and neighbourhoods for food sources.
“Take ownership by securing your attractants, your homes and making sure these bears look for natural food sources,” Milne said.
Milne along with Mowat are also encouraging residents to pick their fruit trees, secure their garbage, remove bird seed and keep doors and windows secure.
“We have to take the time now to give this bear a chance,” Milne said.