The former community coordinator of Wildsafe B.C. Nelson has emphasized the need for change following what she describes as “numerous shortcomings … across various levels” that resulted in the demise of a grizzly sow and two of her three cubs this month. Lisa Thomson expressed her sorrow during an interview with CBC’s Radio West and disclosed her decision to step down from her position in response to the incidents.
The four bears had garnered public attention as they traversed the Nelson region. Despite efforts to relocate the mother bear, it returned to the West Kootenay community and was subsequently killed. According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), one of the cubs was euthanized due to being unsuitable for relocation due to its age and health issues. Another cub met a similar fate after being relocated but was found near Christina Lake scavenging for garbage.
Andrew Milne, BCCOS’s deputy chief, explained that the decision to euthanize the bears was necessitated by their close interactions with humans, lack of fear towards people, and reliance on unnatural food sources. Thomson acknowledged the rationale behind the wildlife management protocols but expressed her inability to accept the outcomes in this instance.
She highlighted the bears’ prolonged presence in the Nelson area, attributing their return to the abundance of feral fruit trees. Thomson advocated for a collaborative approach involving residents, municipalities, and businesses to implement bear-smart practices in communities. Drawing parallels with Canmore and Banff in Alberta, where centralized, animal-proof trash bins have replaced individual curbside bins, she proposed similar measures to deter wildlife attractants and ensure coexistence.
Thomson urged residents to actively prevent wildlife habituation in human settlements and emphasized the importance of setting boundaries to discourage animals from becoming comfortable in such environments. She also clarified misconceptions surrounding Wildsafe B.C.’s role, emphasizing the organization’s focus on public education rather than enforcement actions.
The remaining yearling of the grizzly sow was relocated and is currently under monitoring after briefly appearing near Christina Lake before moving on.