A black bear was humanely euthanized by the Conservation Officer Service (COS) on Tuesday (Oct 1) in Sooke, after the animal was found to have injuries consistent with being hit by a motor vehicle.
Kerrie Reay, Sooke resident and former district councillor, found the bear and reported her find to COS.
B次元官网网址淚 was heartbroken to have to call it in,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 called it in about 8:30 a.m., by the time I got home, met up with the conservation officer and showed him where the bear was B次元官网网址� he went in, I heard it B次元官网网址� IB次元官网网址檒l never forget.B次元官网网址�
Reay has described the conservation officer as B次元官网网址渧ery kind and compassionate" towards the bearB次元官网网址檚 plight.
B次元官网网址淗e clearly was very concerned for this bear and crawled through the mud, in the blackberries, to get to this injured bear,B次元官网网址� she said.
According to the COS, they had previously responded to a report of an injured black bear in Sooke days before on Sept. 26. B次元官网网址淥fficers searched for the bear, but it was not located,B次元官网网址� they said in a emailed statement.
It has not been confirmed if the two reports were about the same bear, but Sooke locals online believe the two are linked and have speculated the driver of the vehicle failed to report the incident to the appropriate authorities.
B次元官网网址淗it and run is a hit and run, wildlife is no [different], to leave without notifying the necessary authorities is wrong either way,B次元官网网址� said one local in a online post.
According to the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program (WCPP), which aims to make B.C.B次元官网网址檚 highways safer for both people and wildlife through education and awareness, August, September and October are the peak months for bear-vehicle collisions.
October can be especially dangerous for bears as their appetites go into overdrive in preparation for hibernation, causing them cross roads in search of food.
To avoid bear-vehicle collisions, WCPP says drive defensively, concentrating on the road at all times. Watch the sides of the road for wildlife attempting to cross, especially where visibility is poor, using extra caution at night.
In the event of a collision the organization advises drivers to always call COS on 1-877-952-7277 if there is an injured animal to report.
B次元官网网址淎 wounded animal can be very dangerous,B次元官网网址� they say. B次元官网网址淵ou are not required to put an injured animal out of its misery."
If there is damage over $1,000, any human injuries, or the animal carcass is not safe to be moved and presents an urgent highway safety issue, WCPP says to call the RCMP.
For more information about the preventing bear-vehicle collisions, visit the website: .
