Parks Canada staff have confirmed reports that the public has been feeding a black bear on Route 301 (the road to Terra Nova) and that the bear has lost its fear of humans.
According to a news release, with close monitoring and averse conditioning by Terra Nova National Park staff, it is hoped the bear well not need to be destroyed.
Park staff reminds the public that this is a potentially dangerous situation and that their actions may impact on the bear's chances of survival in the wild.
Parks Canada advises individuals to never feed a bear, coyote or any wildlife or allow it to take food whether on a roadside, in a campground, or any place where wildlife interaction is possible.
The release states that most wild animals have a natural fear of humans, however, animals that learn to associate humans with a source for food may lose that natural fear. Black bears or coyotes that are fed by humans may become dependent on people for food, making them unpredictable and sometimes dangerous.
The public is asked to use caution when viewing wildlife along the roadside. For their own safety and the protection of wildlife, Parks Canada asks that people stay in their vehicles and ensure their vehicles are safely off the road, and not blocking traffic.
Campers and visitors in Terra Nova National Park are asked to take precautions as they can impact wildlife without ever seeing an animal.
Campers and visitors can do their part to ensure their safety, the welfare of other park visitors and the protection of wildlife by disposing of garbage in bear proof receptacles, properly storing food and scented items in their vehicles and keeping their campsites free of potential animal attractants.
All bear and coyote sightings should be reported to Terra Nova National Park staff at (709) 533-2801.
Black bear being fed by humans may need to be destroyed, park staff say
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Published on
July 16, 2010
- Published on July 20, 2010
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Staff ~ The Telegram
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Comments
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- KFY
- - July 26, 2010 at 09:22:27
I would have to agree with Martina. Move the bear to the Salmonier Nature Park. I am certain it would be a huge attraction to the park; therefore more donations will follow. I have seen Bears in the Calgary Zoo. They were playing in the water with balls and having a great time. They were one of the highlights.
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- martina
- - July 23, 2010 at 08:41:42
If that bear has been imprinted to the point that it should not be allowed to remain free, maybe it could make a good addition to the Salmonier Nature Park instead. The park could use all the "roadkill" moose meat that isn't going to charity groups anymore to feed it.
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- Danielle
- - July 20, 2010 at 14:32:51
Bears are a whole lot smarter than you think. If you moved a bear to denser woods, it would not take them very long to find there way back.
On another note, a bear who has been getting food from humans can turn out to be extremely dangerous. We had a bear come up on our patio and after getting many items thrown at him, including coolers - he was finally frightened away by the shound of a shotgun. A bear like this could be a serious danger to any human being, especially a small child.
I also agree that they are beautiful creatures but, the idiots that were feeding them are the ones to blame. They should know better. -
- Christa
- - July 20, 2010 at 14:32:45
They should just rehome the bear to a denser woods!!! Destroying a beautiful creature over the ignorance of humans? GRRR
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- Mike
- - July 20, 2010 at 14:32:44
You hit the nail on the head Chris. Anyone with at least a grain of common sense should know better.
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- Chris
- - July 20, 2010 at 14:32:41
There is a Darwin Award just waiting to be given out here.
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