UPDATE: May 28, 10:30 a.m.
After investigating the Park Lane area, conservation officers have found that what was previously thought to be a grizzly bear is rather a brown-coloured black bear.
WildsafeBC Community Coordinator, Kathy Murray, accompanied CO Officers and also confirmed the animal to be a brown-coloured black bear. She admitted it is sometimes hard to differentiate the two.
The bear is still thought to be in the Park Lane area, and Murray said it’s likely the same bear that has been seen by the Leroux Mansion and surrounding areas.
Residents are still encouraged not to approach the bear and cub. Murray said the kind of bear is irrelevant, and people should still exercise caution when around them.
She said that bears defend three things; food, space and young. If one surprises a bear at close range, it’s likely to respond defensively. The correct response is to stay calm, identify youself as human and not prey, and back away.
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Monday, May 27
Fernie residents have been warned about a grizzly bear and cub (now known to be a black bear) spotted between downtown and the Airport.
On Monday morning, WildSafeBC reported the bear and cub were in the Park Lane area.
“The Conservation Officer Service is requesting that you do not approach the bears and stay indoors if the bears are on your property,” read the post.
“If you encounter a bear, stop, stay calm, speak in a low voice to identify yourself as human and not prey, back away slowly and leave the bear an escape route.”
Report human-wildlife conflict to 1-877-952-7277.