White bear cub returns to B.C. town after relocation last year

ELKFORD, B.C. – A bear awareness group says one of two white bear cubs that were relocated from a small town in southeastern B.C. last year because they would not stop eating garbage has returned.

Elk Valley Bear Aware says in a post on its website that the rare, white-coloured bear has been spotted around the community of Elkford, B.C., over the past few days.

Bear Aware says the return of the cub is an example that relocation seldom works with bears, as they often return to their home territory or become problems in other communities.

The bear cubs were moved 100 kilometres north of Elkford last year after officials grew concerned the animals had become bolder in their search for food and posed a threat to public safety.

It’s not clear whether the bears are related to B.C.’s Kermode bear, also known as the “spirit bear.”

Bear Aware says residents need to do more to keep bears away, including storing their garbage in a shed, garage or indoors until collection day.