A bear was destroyed by the Conservation Officer Service (COS) on Friday, September 27, after it repeatedly entered a home in Whistler’s Blueberry area.
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According to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), the bear entered the home twice through a window and caused property damage. Despite the residents’ efforts to scare the bear away, it returned a second time. COS officers arrived to find the bear near the property and decided to destroy it since it was deemed a threat to public safety.
Authorities caution that bears are currently in hyperphagia, a period in which they experience an increased drive to eat in preparation for winter. This makes them more likely to take risks searching for food, especially if they have previously been rewarded with access to food in a particular area.
Authorities urge residents to report bear sightings near properties to the COS at 1-877-952-7277. Early reporting allows the COS to implement non-lethal measures like hazing to deter bears from residential areas and reduce the likelihood of further incidents.