Dear Editor:
I am writing in dismay over the first black bear killed in 2019 in North Vancouver.
News reports indicate, “Conservation officers have killed the first bear of the season on the North Shore after it became hooked on Lynn Valley residents’ garbage.
The black bear first started popping up around Kilmarnock Crescent in early April, according to conservation officer Lonnie Schoenthal, and almost immediately started breaking into lockable garbage bins provided by the District of North Vancouver.”
Why does the bear have access to garbage?
We should all be keeping our garbage indoors until the morning of collection.
We have heard this message for at least two decades!
As stated by Christine Miller of the North Shore Black Bear Society, “People who don’t have a highly secure garage or shed should be freezing their compostables before putting them at the curb.” This is such a simple step that would eliminate the death sentence you are otherwise imposing on wild animals. A society volunteer counted 27 homes from Cates Park to Badger Road in Deep Cove in one night, with their garbage carts put out early.
We need the District of North Vancouver bylaw which states garbage “shall be placed at curbside for collection not earlier than 5:30 a.m. and not later than 7:30 a.m.” enforced. Please report any non-compliance to the district via email to bylaws@dnv.org or via phone to 604-990-2311.
Judith Brook
North Vancouver
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