Dear Editor,

A fed bear is a dead bear

Gabriola is blessed with an abundance of wildlife. Some bird and ungulate species are very common on the island. The lone (?) Black Bear is not so common to Gabriola but prolific throughout much of the province, including Vancouver Island.

At this time of year there is an abundance of natural food sources for wildlife and there is no need to supplement either intentionally or inadvertently.  Bears will take the path of least resistance to get food.  If they get into garbage and become habituated to human food sources they become a dangerous pest.

Another potential on Gabriola for a bear to become habituated to human food are the actions of well-meaning persons who enjoy wildlife and, for some reason, think they need to provide it with food.

As indicated by the local wildlife officer, such a bear is not trapped for relocation, it will be put down.

The bottom line is, do not feed the bear. A fed bear is a dead bear.