I can't bear the pain of seeing orphaned cubs after a mother bear is killed by the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) for no good reason. These bears are often labeled as threats or nuisances, yet in reality, many of them are simply living their lives without causing any harm. We must address this sensitive issue and find a more humane, compassionate approach to human-wildlife interactions.

Recently in Golden Ears Park BCCOS murdered a nursing mother bear called "Scratch",

“Scratch” Golden Ears Mama Bear
I don't want her in her death to be left misunderstood and worst of all-misrepresented
Mama black bear at Golden Ear was named “Scratch”.
*She was named for the mark on her nose -not for scratching cars.
*She was never aggressive to people.
*She never entered cars.
*The tent she walked into was an abandoned one filled with food.
*She always left when asked.
*The area was littered with food and trash, and expecting her to delicately step around a Twinkie on her own trail is absurd.
*She was a calm, trusting mother bear who loved her cubs.
*She felt safe around people - and she deserved better.
The COS claimed they had "exhausted all options" before destroying her. They did not. They arrived with traps and killed her, full stop.
Calling her "aggressive" was not just inaccurate — it was a justification after the fact.
Rest Scratch and thank you for being so kind and patient with people -and for bringing your babies into the world.

In British Columbia, bears are an integral part of the ecosystem. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature, dispersing seeds, and regulating prey populations. Despite their ecological importance, bears are increasingly facing the risk of being needlessly killed by the BCCOS. In numerous cases, mother bears are killed, leaving behind cubs that struggle for survival. These orphaned cubs often face dire consequences, such as starvation, increasing their likelihood of being put down.

The BCCOS has long been tasked with the management of wildlife and ensuring public safety. However, there is growing concern that the current practices are outdated and unnecessarily lethal. There are non-lethal solutions available, including bear-proofing communities, educating the public about co-existence, and investing in bear relocation programs. By implementing these strategies, we can dramatically reduce the need to kill bears, especially those that pose no real threat.

In light of these issues, we are urging the British Columbia government and the BCCOS to revise their protocols regarding bear management. We need a paradigm shift that prioritizes living in harmony with wildlife rather than resorting to killing as a default response. Support initiatives that promote humane treatment and allow bears to thrive in their natural habitats without fear of unwarranted death.

Please sign this petition to demand changes in policy and practice to protect the bears of British Columbia and safeguard their future in our shared environment. Your signature can make a difference in saving these magnificent creatures and ensuring a peaceful coexistence for generations to come.