Port Coquitlam has recently experienced a tragic incident - a black bear attack that resulted in unfortunate consequences. On a sunny Sunday afternoon, at around 3 p.m., conservation officers received an urgent call from the RCMP about a man who had been bitten by a bear outside his apartment complex. This report led to swift action by the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS). However, by the time the officers arrived, the bear had already left the scene.

Later that evening, the black bear returned to the vicinity and was spotted again. The conservation officers managed to tranquilize the bear and took it to a BCCOS compound for further evaluation. Sadly, despite the possibility for relocation or rehabilitation, the decision was made to kill the bear.

Killing these bears not only deeply affects our local wildlife but also reflects our failure to coexist with the natural inhabitants of our region. Black bears are an integral part of our ecosystem, and incidences like this highlight the urgent need for a more humane approach. Instead of resorting to lethal measures, we can implement non-lethal management strategies like bear-proof garbage bins, community awareness programs, and relocating bears when necessary.

The primary goal of this petition is to urge the BC Conservation Officer Service to adopt policies focused on coexistence and preservation. We need to develop a comprehensive strategy that focuses on peaceful and sustainable interaction with our wildlife. As a community, we must push for solutions that uphold the protection of both human residents and our bear population.

The incident in Port Coquitlam highlights a critical need for change in how we handle wildlife-human interactions. Instead of viewing these majestic creatures as threats, let us see them as a symbol of our rich biodiversity worth protecting.

Your support can help drive this change. Stand with us in demanding the BC COS prioritize non-lethal solutions for managing black bears. Sign this petition to stop the unnecessary killing of black bears and promote coexistence in our beautiful region.