The B.C. Conservation Office says a black bear spotted in Saanich Monday has been euthanized.
The B.C. Conversation Service says a black bear spotted in Saanich Monday afternoon has been put down, following consultation with a veterinarian.
After being taken into custody by officials, the bear was looked over and found to be severely underweight and had mobility issues believed to be from a previous injury.
The conservation service said bear would face difficult challenges to survive in the wild, and the decision was made for it to be euthanized.
The small bear was seen in a tree near Chatterton Way then Royal Oak Drive starting at around 1:30 p.m. Monday.
Saanich police received reports of the bear on Heatherdale Lane.
It crossed the Pat Bay Highway and police chased the bear over a few fences and through some yards until it climbed up a tree. Saanich firefighters and police tried to entice it with some apples but the bear climbed higher. Saanich firefighters also tried to lasso the bear but that failed as well.
WATCH: Saanich firefighters attempt to lasso a black bear in Saanich on Feb. 18, 2019.
Lisa Lange, who lives in the area, said she was in her house preparing dinner when she saw some police officers outside. She went to see what was going on.
“There was a bear out there and sure thing, there was a little cub running around,” Lange said.
“A bunch of the officers were there trying to track the bear while they were waiting for some conservation officers to come.”
Lange said residents in the area are used to deer but not bears.
“Having a bear in the area is a big deal.”
Happy #familyday BC!
And in the spirit of family, our @SaanichFire @Local967 Engine 2 #firefighters were busy helping get this bear cub back to his family and out of the tree.
Always there to help! #notjustcatsintrees @SaanichPolice @saanich #MuchmorethanFirefighting pic.twitter.com/6ekS0zpzFN— Dan Wood (@firechiefwood) February 19, 2019
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