In the beautiful landscapes of British Columbia, a tragic scenario unfolds far too often. Many visitors and locals alike are captivated by the sight of majestic bears roaming free in the wilderness, yet the plight of orphaned bear cubs goes unnoticed. Each year, countless small bear cubs lose their mothers, often due to vehicle collisions, inevitable human-wildlife conflicts, or sometimes as a result of management actions aimed to control bear population. These vulnerable cubs are left to fend for themselves, utterly unequipped for survival without maternal care.

Bear cubs rely entirely on their mothers for warmth, nourishment, protection, and essential guidance during their early years. Without these, they face an agonisingly slow death, one marked by starvation and exposure. Current rescue efforts in British Columbia, however, are limited by jurisdictional boundaries which determine where a cub can be rescued from, leaving many cubs without a chance at survival. This practice is unethical and needs urgent reform.

We believe that no orphaned cub should be denied help simply because of their location. Across British Columbia, different areas are governed by various wildlife management rules. These rules can prevent rescue workers from crossing into territories where they might not have immediate jurisdiction. This bureaucratic red tape costs lives and ignores the compassionate work of rescuers who are willing and equipped to act.

We propose a unified, province-wide initiative for the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned bear cubs. This initiative would allow for more flexible jurisdictional rules, ensuring that all cubs in need can be helped regardless of their location. Additionally, a standardised protocol for reporting and responding to orphaned cubs, coupled with funding for rescue operations and rehabilitation centres, would bolster efforts to save these innocent animals.

Statistics from wildlifesafe.org show that, in 2022 alone, 150 bear cubs were recorded as orphaned in BC, but only a fraction were successfully rescued and rehabilitated. According to a report by the Catalyst Wildlife Society, of those rescued, over 40% did not achieve full rehabilitation due to delayed interventions caused by jurisdictional issues.

We are calling on the British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, as well as all related municipal wildlife services, to develop an approach that prioritises the welfare of these animals. Real change is possible when we remove barriers and work together for a common cause.

Please join us in urging the authorities to create a cohesive and compassionate system for the rescue of all orphaned bear cubs across British Columbia. Sign this petition today to ensure that every cub, regardless of location, has the chance to live and thrive.