FORT NELSON, B.C. - A black bear that had become accustomed to human food sources was euthanized in Fort Nelson. The BC Conservation Officer Service said they were forced to kill the bear after it repeatedly got into garbage and lost its fear of people.
The bear was put down on August 19 after reports it was moving through residential areas, knocking over garbage cans and going door-to-door in search of food.
Officials determined the animal had become food-conditioned, meaning it had learned to associate people and neighbourhoods with an easy food source.
Roger Thin, a conservation officer in the Peace-Liard Region, said unsecured garbage continues to be the main attractant drawing bears into Fort Nelson neighbourhoods.
To help reduce conflicts between wildlife and residents, local authorities and the regional municipality have implemented a program that provides clamps designed to secure garbage bins and limit bear access to household waste.
Officials are also encouraging residents to take preventative measures by properly storing garbage and other attractants.
WildSafeBC works to educate the public on ways to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and prevent animals from becoming habituated to people.
According to conservation officials, the number of bears being euthanized in British Columbia has been declining, a trend they attribute in part to increased public awareness and efforts to secure attractants.
The 211 bears that had to be killed across B.C. in 2025 is the lowest since online tracking began in 2011.
Anyone who encounters dangerous wildlife or observes bears exhibiting concerning behaviour is encouraged to report it through the Conservation Officer Service’s Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277.