Skip to content

'Stay away from bears or they'll die'

The Editor, Re. "Bears trapped inside fence get CO escort" (The Tri-City News, Aug. 1). I am a frequent and regular walker on Oliver Road in northeast Coquitlam near the blueberry farms on the way to the dikes.

The Editor,

Re. "Bears trapped inside fence get CO escort" (The Tri-City News, Aug. 1).

I am a frequent and regular walker on Oliver Road in northeast Coquitlam near the blueberry farms on the way to the dikes. I find it is a great route to walk on summer evenings with my dogs as it is shaded and allows them a walk without getting hot.

But this summer, I have changed my route for the next few weeks.

Why?

This year, the dynamics of the area are significantly changed with the placement of an electric fence around the farm at the east end of the road. This has changed the way the perennial bear population roams in the area, making it hazardous for regular walkers of the area as well as casual observers that arrive nightly by the carload, kids in tow, to get close to the animals.

The city of Coquitlam, the Coquitlam urban wildlife co-ordinator (Drake Stephens) as well as Metro Vancouver are doing their best to keep people out of the area with many measures, including temporary no stopping signs as well as closing access to the park on Oliver Road for the safety of all.

If people continue to flaunt the temporary rules, I can tell you with almost 100% certainty that it will only take one encounter between human and bear that causes any form of injury and the whole population of black bear adults and cubs in the area will be culled.

Believe it.

During this very busy time for farmers - and bears - if you care about the bears and their well-being, as well as your own, stay away from walking and cycling the restricted area until the harvesting of berries is done and the bears head back into the natural foraging areas of the park.

Philip Warburton, Port Coquitlam