Coquitlam RCMP remind residents to be bear aware

Coquitlam, Public Alert

2024-08-16 11:21 PDT

File # 2024-21326

Coquitlam RCMP and BC Conservation Services (BC COS) are reminding the public to keep their distance from bears and refrain from feeding them.

On August 14, 2024 Coquitlam RCMP members and the BC Conservation Officer Service (BC COS) attended Kingston Street and Galloway Avenue in Coquitlam, for a report of an injured bear with a large crowd around it. The bear had been fed watermelon and neighbours told officers on scene that people had been feeding the injured animal for the past three days.

The COS reports the bear had a history of conflict behaviour in the neighbourhood, including entering garages to obtain food rewards, such as garbage. Due to the risk to public safety, it was not a candidate for relocation or rehabilitation and was humanely put down by Conservation Officers

View a larger image – An injured bear munches on watermelon after being fed by neighbours

Feeding bears is a dangerous activity that puts public safety at risk. We ask the public to never feed or approach bears and take steps to help prevent bear conflicts. says Danielle Bell, BC Conservation Officer Service. Don’t give bears an opportunity to access garbage and other non-natural food, and help keep the community, and the bears, safe.

View a larger image – Bear eating from a garbage can in an open garage

As of June 2024, anyone caught feeding dangerous wildlife – bears, cougars, coyotes and wolves - can face increased fines of up to $575 under the BC Wildlife Act. Residents on scene were warned of their involvement, but no fines were issued as the responsible individuals could not be identified.

Coquitlam RCMP would like to remind residents to be Bear Aware and help do their part to prevent human-wildlife conflicts with the following tips:

• Keep your garbage secure – indoors or in a secure shed and only put it out on collection day – never the night before
• Respect wild animals by not feeding them
• If you come across a bear, do not approach or surround it – bears become stressed with human contact and can be unpredictable
• Report bear conflicts or aggressive bear behaviour to the 24 hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline as soon as possible at 1-877-952-7277

Click here to learn more about what you can do to be Bear Aware!

Released by:

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: coquitlam.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

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