A black bear spotted dangerously close to a soccer field where children play in Coquitlam, B.C., had to be tranquilized over the weekend.
The bear climbed up a tree before conservation workers shot the large animal with a tranquilizer dart. But noise from bystanders jolted the bear awake again, and officers had to fire a second dart.
Authorities had to warn onlookers that the animal would be put down if it was not able to lose consciousness.
After about an hour, the unconscious bear was assessed and relocated.
Coquitlam Mayor Richard Stewart said the close encounter is cause for concern.
“Of course we don’t want bears where people are, because the interactions are just unpredictable,” Stewart said. “This one ended well, but we took no chances, we made sure people were kept away from it and the bear was ultimately relocated.”
Wildlife officials warn about the potential for bear encounters over the next month, as last year’s cubs are now teenagers trying to find their own food and surroundings.
“Young bears are going to be trying to find new habitat and moving into … places they shouldn’t go, probably,” said urban wildlife coordinator Drake Stephens.
With more bears expected in public spaces, residents are being told to keep distance.
Wildlife experts say people who encounter bears should also stay calm, and instead of running, back away in order to avoid startling the animal.
Residents are also encouraged to leave their garbage and bird-feeders locked up, as the bears are in search of food.
With a report by CTV Vancouver’s Nafeesa Karim
