A young black bear was spotted in a central Nanaimo neighbourhood around 11 a.m. on Friday, May 28. Earlier reports of bear sightings were made along Wakesiah Ave. and at Buttertubs Marsh. (submitted photo/Ren Issa Flores Castro)

By Ian Holmes

BEAR AWARE

Conservation officers search for black bear strolling through Nanaimo streets

May 28, 2021 | 5:01 PM

NANAIMO — A solitary, young black bear took an impromptu tour in Nanaimo’s university district area.

An initial report from the Buttertubs Marsh area was made to NanaimoNewsNOW and the BC Conservation Officer Services (BCCOS) on Friday, May 28 around 8 a.m.

Follow up reports indicated a bear was on Wakesiah Ave., while a resident on nearby Gail Pl., near Third St. recorded video of the bear casually walking along the road through the residential neighbourhood.

As of Friday afternoon the bear could not be located.

BCCOS sergeant Stuart Bates said what appeared to be a juvenile bear hadn’t behaved in a concerning way.

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“This one seemed to just zig a little bit and has wandered off what appears to be Cat Stream and is hanging out in that green space there. Unusual yes, but certainly not unique.”

Bates said they’ll continue monitoring the situation. He said a trap likely won’t be set since there isn’t a known location where the bear may return to.

“If we could we would get it and relocate it out of town, but if we can’t we would prefer to encourage it to return to the wilderness on its own.”

Bates said bear fits the profile of being newly on its own as female bears often abandon their young this time of year for mating season.

He said it’s important to contact the BCCOS immediately at 1-877-952-7277 when notable wildlife sightings occur in urban settings.

“Our goal is not to shoot the bear. The sooner I can get in contact with this bear the less likely I’m going to have to destroy the bear. Please call, the sooner I get there the better.”

School District 68 held shelter in place measures at NDSS, Fairview Community School and its administration centre on Friday, while it it was recommended Fairview students not walk home.

Bears occasionally wander into urban settings in search for food.

The conservation service can hand out $230 fines for people who leave out food attractants for wildlife.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @ReporterHolmes