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Young bear sighted in Port Coquitlam not a candidate for protective care: BCCOS

BC Conservation Officers say a bear spotted on the Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam border is not an orphan, is not in conflict nor in distress
Diane Strandberg
Diane Strandberg
critter-care
Officers say a young bear seen in Port Coquitlam is not an orphan and won't be relocated to Critter Care in Langley. | File photo

A young bear sighted this week in Port Coquitlam will not be relocated to a special care facility.

That's the conclusion drawn by the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) after responding to concerns about an orphan bear cub seen in the Woodland Acres neighbourhood on the border of Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam on Monday (Jan. 3).

The bear was sighted in the area of Westwood Street, according to a post on the Port Coquitlam Community Facebook page.

However, no action will be taken, according to a BCCOS spokesperson.

According to the spokesperson, the bear is not an orphaned cub, not in conflict nor in distress.

After reviewing the case, conservation officers determined the bear is not a candidate for relocation to the Critter Care Wildlife Society's rehabilitation centre in Langley.

Among the steps taken to assess the bear, the Tri-City News was told in an email, was a review in accordance with Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNRORD) guidelines regarding the management of orphaned cubs, which includes guidance from wildlife biologists and the provincial wildlife veterinarian on specific incidents.

"After consultation with FLNRORD, it was determined in this case that this is not an orphaned bear cub and not a candidate for a rearing centre," the email stated.

"The COS continues to monitor bear activity and appreciates the public’s concern around the welfare of bears and cubs in our province."

Typically, bears go into a state of torpor during this time of year.

However, they can sometimes awaken and move about in search of food.

It's important to lock up all attractants to keep the bears from becoming used to human food waste, bird seed and other attractants, according to BCCOS.

Industrial food waste has been a concern in Port Coquitlam, and at least one business was charged after a bruin was spotted in an open dumpster.