The Editor,
Re. “Girl recovering, bear warning issued” (The Tri-City News, Aug. 17).
As a former resident of Port Coquitlam, we had acreage property during my youth and saw black bears on a regular basis. Although there are riches in our province’s beauty, natural wonders, geography and a diverse wildlife, it is a reminder that our residential neighbourhoods have wildlife activity.
We have increasingly encroached on their habitat with the human sprawl and now there are many bear sightings, bear killings by officers and an unfortunate terrible attack. Hope and prayers for the critically injured 10-year-old girl.
Bears can pounce on you with bursting speed and unpredictability, and in particular, they are very dangerous during cub rearing season. Always make noise on trails, look for signs, as it only takes seconds for a situation to go bad.
To the victim, you are not alone, and prayers go out to the family, community and neighbourhood.
Kerwin Maude
Pitt Meadows
The Editor,
We all hope the little girl recovers — that goes beyond saying. However, it is time to take a closer look at certain blatant issues. First, in general, the populace is relatively incompetent — a.k.a stupid. If everyone would follow the rules regarding locking garbage we might (just might) learn those darn bears a thing or two.
Second, by allowing food items in the green waste bins, the aforementioned item is basically impossible.
Third, it’s maybe time for Port Coquitlam city council to review the second item above — I mean take a real long and hard look. What we have in place is simply not going to work and many more people will be hurt, bears will be put down and eventually, the black bear will suffer the plight that the bison did — almost extinction.
R.A. Yule
Port Coquitlam
