A black bear surprised Sarah Morgan at her family’s pool and spa shop in Kelowna, B.C., by casually strolling in and climbing into an unoccupied hot tub. Startled, she recounted the event as her mother urgently warned of the unexpected guest. Thanks to Morgan’s father’s loud shouting, the bear was frightened away. This incident serves as a cautionary tale that bears are emerging from hibernation in search of food, making appearances in various locations across the province.
Since 2011, over 8,000 black bears have been euthanized by conservation officers in British Columbia due to their dangerous behavior and habituation to humans. One recent incident involved a man in Mission being attacked on his property by a sow. Despite his attempts to deter the bear, it charged and injured him. Authorities identified the sow as a repeat offender in the area, displaying no fear of humans, resulting in its removal.
Additionally, there are reports of two individuals feeding a grizzly bear in the Smithers area, a concerning act that poses risks to both humans and wildlife. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) is investigating these incidents captured in social media videos showing people feeding bears, which can habituate them to human presence. The BCCOS stressed the importance of not attracting bears by securing food and waste properly to prevent dangerous encounters. Violations related to attracting bears can result in severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment.
