The former community coordinator of Wildsafe B.C. Nelson has voiced the need for change following what she described as “numerous shortcomings on various fronts” that resulted in the death of a grizzly sow and two of her three cubs this month. Lisa Thomson, expressing her sorrow, announced her resignation from the position recently in response to the incidents.
The four bears had garnered attention as they roamed around the Nelson area. The mother bear was euthanized after being relocated but later returning to the West Kootenay community. One of the cubs was put down by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) due to its unsuitability for relocation based on its age and health issues. Another cub met a similar fate after being relocated and later found near Christina Lake consuming garbage.
Andrew Milne, the BCCOS deputy chief, explained that the decision to euthanize the bears was made due to their close interaction with humans, lack of fear, and access to unnatural food sources. Despite understanding the protocols involved, Thomson stated her inability to accept the outcome in this particular case.
The bears’ repeated presence in the Nelson area was attributed to the abundance of feral fruit trees, a situation Thomson believed cannot be resolved solely through bear relocation efforts. She emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts among residents, local authorities, and businesses to implement bear-smart practices in communities, citing the example of Canmore and Banff in Alberta, where centralized, animal-proof trash bins have replaced individual curbside bins.
Thomson urged for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent wildlife attractants, discouraging animals from becoming accustomed to human environments. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and deterring wildlife from lingering near human habitats.
Additionally, Thomson clarified that Wildsafe B.C. operates independently as a non-profit organization focused on public education, dispelling any misconceptions about its role as agents of the BCCOS. The remaining cub of the grizzly sow was relocated successfully and is currently under monitoring after briefly appearing in Christina Lake before moving on.
