Sooke residents have been asked to report "real-time sightings" of the three recently orphaned bear cubs, to help assist in their rescue.
Since their mother was killed on Thursday Nov. 14, the triplets have been camping out in a tree located on a steep, ocean-facing embankment, making rescue impossible, said Wild Wise, a Sooke-based wildlife group who have been monitoring the cubs during daylight hours.
In an update on Nov. 19, Wild Wise report the cubs descended from the tree overnight on Nov. 18, and are on the move. In a effort to locate them, the group is appealing for the public's help.
"These are wild animals whose movements cannot be controlled and intervention was not possible overnight," said Wild Wise in an online statement. "For safety reasons, please do not attempt any rescue efforts yourself."
Real-time sightings of the cubs should be made to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line on 1-877-952-7277. In addition, Wild Wise has asked the public also report sightings to the group via their Facebook page.
"We ask the community to reserve calls to the RAPP line strictly for current sightings, not for inquiries about updates on their location or retrieval efforts," said Wild Wise. "Rest assured, all feasible actions are being taken in collaboration with wildlife professionals."
The plight of the cubs and the death of the sow acts as a timely reminder for people to secure attractants such as garbage, say Wild Wise. According to the group, the family had been accessing garbage for weeks prior to the accident.
"We urge everyone to secure attractants to prevent further tragic incidents," they said. "While we take an education-first approach toward bylaw enforcement, which includes a requirement for persons to secure attractants, repeat offenders will be fined."
To report sightings of the cub to Wild Wise, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wildwisesociety.
