Bear with two cubs spotted at Kelowna Airport

KELOWNA – The Kelowna Airport sees its share of visitors but nothing like the three spotted there recently.

A mother black bear and two cubs were seen three times between the highway and the long term parking lot over the past three weeks, according to airport spokesperson Jenelle Hynes.

“There have been no encounters with people and they were seen outside the perimeter fence,” she says. “It is unusual but at this time of year it does happen. They are trying to fill their bellies so that brings them closer to town.”

Hynes says the bears did not interfere with airport operations but they decided to post signs at all the ticket dispensers to warn the publc.

“We just want to let people know so they can be bear aware.”

Hynes says this isn’t the first time a bear has been seen at the Interior’s largest airport.

“Three years ago we had one inside the fencing. It ran across the runway… but crews opened the fence and the bear walked away.”

The sighting was reported to the B.C. Conservation Service but the bears have not been seen since.

“She’s probably up in the hills by now,” Hynes says.

At this time of year, bears are trying to eat as many calories as possible as they prepare for winter hibernation.

If you see wildlife that could represent a threat to public safety, contact Conservation Officer Service at the Ministry of Environment.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infonews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.