On a quiet morning along the Richard Juryn Trail in North Vancouver, a routine walk took a distressing turn when a man encountered a black bear. Despite his efforts to deter the animal, the bear followed him for 25 minutes, eventually swiping at his leg. Thankfully, the wound was not life-threatening, but the event has sparked concern in our community.

Local authorities, including the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), have advised the public to avoid the trail network in the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve as they investigate.  https://globalnews.ca/news/12033692/bear-follows-man-swipes-him-north-vancouver-trail/

There are no predatory black bears in cities.  https://wiseaboutbears.org/about-us/bear-attacks-2/. Predatory black bears are virtually unheard of in the 21st century. Bears just don't eat people.

A bear following someone with their head down for 25 minutes and then scratching a person on the leg is not a predatory bear.  It sounds like the bear was trying to get the man to leave the area. If the bear wanted to kill the man, the bear would have.  Please do not kill the bear in North Vancouver. According to bear rights activist Holly Reisner, the bear wasn't predatory. The bear was following the man coincidentally, and got startled by him.  The injuries were minor scratches, not mauling. ​

The fact that the bear had their head down, and didn't leave when the man shooed them away, suggests maybe the bear is protecting cubs.  The BC COS was very vague on the phone, and they seem adamant about killing this bear.  

While everyone's safety is of utmost importance, the idea of potentially killing the bear is alarming and, frankly, avoidable. The incident's circumstances suggest a bear simply acting out of curiosity or being startled, rather than aggression. It's crucial to remember that we're sharing space with these magnificent creatures, and their behavior often reflects natural instincts rather than danger. A measured response will likely protect both human residents and wildlife in North Vancouver.

The solution lies in enhancing public education about bear behavior and prevention measures, alongside deploying non-lethal deterrents to manage such situations. Increased installation of warning signs, informative sessions about bear safety, and community workshops can significantly decrease the likelihood of human-bear encounters that escalate into dangerous situations. Plus, advanced bear deterrent installations could help keep both wildlife and hikers safe without resorting to lethal measures—proven effective in similar communities globally.

According to the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, there are over 120,000 black bears in the province. While encounters are rare, education and preparation make humans more equipped to handle such situations without harm to either party. Let’s push for a compassionate and proactive approach that respects the balance between preserving human safety and protecting wildlife.

Sign this petition to urge the BC Conservation Officer Service and other local authorities to prioritize non-lethal measures and increased education about bear safety and territory sharing in North Vancouver. Together, we can ensure a safe coexistence between people and wildlife in our beloved trails.