Saanich residents are being asked to take measures to protect their livestock and pets after a bear killed a llama Monday afternoon.
Saanich police said just after 4 p.m., they received a report of a bear that had killed a homeowners’ llama in the 4700-block of West Saanich Road.
Several officers went to the area and saw the bear as it took off away from the area.
BC Conservation Service also attended an effort to locate the bear. The bear has not been found.
Police say it is believed that this bear is not frightened of humans and will possibly return to the area
overnight. Police said there plans are in place to re-attend however if anyone should see a bear in the area.
“We are recommending residents to be alert and aware of this latest bear incident and take
measures to protect any livestock or pets they may have,” police said in a release.
Anyone who spots the bear is asked to call Saanich police at 250-475-4321 and/or BC Conservation Service at 1-877 952-7277 (RAPP).
Here are some tips from the B.C. Ministry of Environment about what to do if you spot a bear:
- Do not feed bears. It’s against the law to feed dangerous wildlife.
- Remain calm. Do not run or climb a tree. Slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, kneel down or make direct eye contact.
- Keep away from the bear. Do not try to get closer to it. If the bear gets too close, use pepper spray (within 7 metres) or something else to threaten or distract it.
- Stay together. If you are with others, act as a group. Keep children close – pick up and carry small children.
- Go indoors. Bring pets indoors if possible.
- Watch the bear until it leaves. Make sure the bear has a clear escape route. After the bear is gone and it’s safe, make sure there is nothing in the area that will attract bears back again.
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