The number of calls made to the COS about potentially problem bears rose sharply in April compared to previous years. The same is true of March and February.
He added that where he lives in the Kootenays, the consequence is that sightings of grizzly as well as black bears in farmers’ fields and other semi-rural areas have increased significantly this spring.Article content In March, 241 calls were made to the COS compared to 183 in 2021 and 101 in 2020. Thirty-five of those calls were attended and 10 bears were killed. That compares to 21 attended calls and three bears killed in 2021 and 19 attended calls and two bears killed in 2020.Article content
Because the Grouse grizzlies are fed by staff at the Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, the snow is merely a curiosity — something to enjoy. But wild bears that have to forage for food aren’t nearly as lucky, says McCrory. For her, the COS figures illustrate how important it is for people who live in and visit the North Shore and Fraser Valley to protect bears by not attracting them with food.