FERNIE, B.C. - Four bears have been shot in the southeast B.C. community of Fernie in the past two weeks, prompting a reminder to local residents not to leave garbage out except on collection days.
The latest incident occurred on Canada Day when conservation officers killed a bear that had originally been trapped and moved by Alberta officials after getting into bird feeders in that province.
Kathy Murray with the group Fernie Bear Aware says the relocation did more harm than good because the bear was taken out of its home range and became disoriented before it started rummaging in garbage cans in Fernie.
She says bylaw officers will be issuing notices to Fernie residents who may be violating local bylaws by storing unsecured garbage outside between collection days, potentially attracting dangerous wildlife.
Murray says people will be safer and bears will not have to be put down if residents keep their garbage indoors except on pick-up days. (CHBZ)
