Fewer black bears killed by conservation officers in B.C. last year

VICTORIA — There were 303 black bears killed by conservation officers in British Columbia last year, a low not seen since predator statistics were first published online in 2011.

The Conservation Officer Service says in a statement there were 603 black bears culled in 2023, and the drop last year represents a 49.7 per cent decrease.

The service says there were also 10,000 fewer calls to officers about black bear conflicts.

Cam Schley, chief conservation officer with the service, says that while the decrease in bear deaths is encouraging, the public still has a key role in reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

He says attractants, such as garbage, pet food and bird seed, continue to drive a significant number of conflicts and people, businesses and communities all need to do their part to keep more bears alive.

The statement says 1.7 per cent of 17,345 calls for service led to black bears being killed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 22, 2025.