Sow put down after Chilliwack resident found hand-feeding it and 2 cubs in residential neighbourhood: B.C. COS

CHILLIWACK — The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service says it is investigating a Chilliwack resident for hand-feeding bears which resulted in a sow being put down and two cubs being relocated to a rehab centre.

According to a statement on the B.C. Conservation Officer Service Facebook page, conservation officers were provided information from the public about an individual found hand-feeding a sow and two cubs in a residential neighbourhood in Chilliwack.

“As a direct result from this individual feeding the family unit of bears, the sow had to be destroyed, and the two cubs were taken to a rehabilitation center so they can be relocated next spring,” the B.C. COS wrote in a statement. “Feeding dangerous wildlife, such as bears, creates a serious public safety risk. Wildlife fed by humans lose their sense of fear and associate people as a source to get food, as opposed to foraging for their natural nutrients.”

The investigation remains active and ongoing.