Dear Editor:
The District of North Vancouver is being lobbied to create a bylaw allowing chicken coops in residential backyards. And while a special interest group is vigorously promoting their virtues, they are contrary to logical, social considerations.
Therefore, I would like to address the very obvious, but seemingly ignored ramifications of allowing chickens in the bear-sensitive neighbourhoods that encompass much of the North Shore.
Unlike our own varied lives, a bear’s sole purpose each day is to simply forage for food, travelling great distances if necessary in this survival-driven pursuit. And, at seven times greater than a bloodhound’s, a black bear’s sense of smell can easily be measured in miles. Couple this with the universal recognition that chickens (and their interesting scent), represent a major bear attractant, and it is a realistic expectation you will attract a bear to your backyard – and your neighbourhood.
Indeed, Frank Ritcey, B.C.’s Bear Aware program co-ordinator, says, “ Chicken coops now rival garbage as the top bear attractant in urban areas.”
Realistically, the most efficient method of protecting chickens and their associated feed is an electric fence, and yet this precaution has been soundly rejected as any part of a bylaw requirement. However, irrespective of protecting a chicken coop, the scent has now attracted a bear to the area, a bear that will also investigate neighbouring properties for food.
The North Shore Black Bear Society and its volunteers have laboured tirelessly for many years to create a safer North Shore for humans and bears alike. With education programs stressing that bear attractants are the primary cause for bears in our neighbourhoods, their message has been admirably embraced by the North Shore community, whom, by taking suitable garbage precautions, strive conscientiously to control the situation.
This has resulted in a drop in bear deaths on the Shore from 39 in 1999 to just seven (two by motor vehicles) in 2016. This is something our community can be proud of. We are finally co-existing with our local bears.
However, by introducing backyard chickens we will potentially reverse this trend. Irrespective of any arguments from the pro-chicken lobby, we are still taking a gamble on whether bears will come visiting. A gamble that, unlike the chicken enthusiasts, a bear may pay for with his life. There is an uneven balance of risk here, and given the ramifications, unjustified in its taking.
Regarding this potential bylaw, I would urge concerned citizens to e-mail the mayor and council members at the relevant facility on the District of North Vancouver’s website. It is only by hearing from the public that they may be better informed of their community’s feelings, and make a responsible decision for all the community, and not a biased few.
Mick Webb
North Vancouver
Editor’s note: The North Shore Black Bear Society endorses the district’s plan if it includes mandatory on-site inspection prior to the issuance of a permit, as is the case in West Vancouver. DNV’s draft bylaw does not include this requirement but will be back before mayor and council for discussion April 10. Hens are permitted in the City of North Vancouver (since September 2012) and District of West Vancouver (since March 2016).
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
