The Editor,
Re. “Port Moody bear deaths blamed on garbage” (tricitynews.com, April 15).
To Port Moody council:
I have just heard of the recent killing of three bears in Port Moody and I am angry. This killing has to stop.
The city of Port Moody and its citizens are directly responsible for the occurrence of bears in residential areas. The expansion of the city has destroyed the bears’ natural feeding areas and residents’ refusal to learn to control their garbage have caused the problem. It is unconscionable to try to solve a problem the city has created by killing bears.
On previous occasions, I have asked the city to enforce its garbage laws and nothing effective has been done. Now I am demanding consistent action from the city. Residents must be taught that leaving garbage outside or outside overnight on collection days is not acceptable.
I expect two things from the city: First, an extended campaign to emphasize to residents that their continued irresponsible handling of household garbage will have consequences, not to the bears, but to themselves. Second, I want to see bylaw enforcement officers on the street every night assessing stiff fines against people who leave garbage containers on the street overnight.
The city must develop an effective program aimed at educating residents in how to coexist with bears. It’s simple: Just leave them alone. Bears have never caused a serious injury in Port Moody despite non-stop provocation by people. They do not deserve to die just because uneducated residents perceive them to be dangerous.
Ron Long, Port Moody
