Sow and cubs relocated from Whistler’s Bayshores only to return days later

By Brandon Barrett
Whistler bear advocates say relocation not effective strategy for family units

A sow and three bear cubs were relocated out of Bayshores last month only to return within days, leading to questions from Whistler bear advocates about the efficacy of relocation. After weeks of reports of bluff-charging and other defensive behaviour in Spring Creek and Bayshores, the Conservation Officer Service (COS) relocated the family unit a short distance to “a habitat that was more comfortable and a habitat that was discussed with a [provincial] biologist as a good location for the sow to help get those cubs a bit bigger and put her outside of a high-use area,” explained officer Brittany Mueller.
Initially, there were reports in early May of the sow accessing barbecues, which led COs to patrol the neighbourhoods to ensure no attractants were left behind, and issue a fine.…

Source:: Sow and cubs relocated from Whistler’s Bayshores only to return days later

• Whistler News

June 5, 2020

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