A resolution that would have called on the provincial government to create conservation officer oversight on dealing with orphaned bear cubs was rejected by delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities annual general meeting Sept. 20.
The North Vancouver District resolution said the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) currently can independently decide how to handle black bears and cubs in conflict situations, without the oversight of an independent external public board.
But, it said, there is no mandate for orphaned black bear cubs to be taken to a wildlife sanctuary for health assessment and treatment by a qualified wildlife veterinarian — and be the sole authority to perform a humane euthanasia of black bear cubs, if needed.
As such, the resolution asked the UBCM to request Victoria make changes to the BCCOS Human-Black Bear (Single) Conflict Response Guideline to include a review of actions through an independent civilian-led oversight board, orphaned bear cubs to be transported to a wildlife sanctuary for health assessment of cubs by qualified wildlife veterinarian, for treatment or euthanasia.
'Animal cruelty'
It asked the that the solicitor general’s ministry do an audit of BCCOS actions, policies and procedures.
District of North Vancouver Coun. Betty Forbes said the humane course of action for officers is to take orphaned cubs to a care facility.
She said bears are sometimes shot and escape leaving people hearing them crying.
“This is animal cruelty,” Forbes said.
Lions Bay Coun. Neville Abbott expressed frustration at dealing with the service.
He said one service supervisor told him a 20-pound bear wasn’t a public safety risk requiring officer attendance.
Another speaker said residents need to take responsibility for things they are leaving out that attract bears.
