Bear that stalked Golden Ears Park put down
Female black bear with extensive history of conflict destroyed after repeated aggressive incidents in campgrounds.
An adult female black bear with a long record of trouble in Golden Ears Park has been destroyed by the BC Conservation Officer Service.
The sow had no fear of people and repeatedly broke into vehicles to access food. She entered tents and campsites during daytime hours, approaching visitors in search of meals.
Conservation officers say the bear's behavior was escalating and posed an immediate safety risk. "This bear learned to associate people with food, and its behaviour was escalating," said Inspector Simon Gravel. "All options were exhausted, and unfortunately, dispatching was the only outcome to keep people safe."
The bear was destroyed late Thursday. In the same area, two black bear cubs were found, tranquilized, and assessed. After determining they hadn't been involved in any conflicts, they were transported to Critter Care Wildlife Society, an authorized wildlife rehabilitation facility in Langley.
The service is working with BC Parks to monitor ongoing bear activity in the park.