New neighbours always give people a reason to gossip, but for some residents in Colwood, it's a family of new 'neigh-bears' which have got tongues wagging.
To the delight of many, a black bear sow and her 'un-bear-ably' cute triplet cubs have been making surprise appearances in and around the neighbourhoods of Royal Bay and Triangle Mountain.
Sightings of the ‘paw-some’ foursome began on social media on Oct. 13, and have continued as recently as Tuesday, Oct. 22, when the family of bears were spotted in the vicinity of Esquimalt Lagoon.
Some Colwood locals have speculated the family of bears is looking for a new home in the area, whilst others have simply enjoyed the privilege of encountering the animals so close to home.
“How lucky we are to witness this up close and personal … nature’s treat,” said one resident on social media.
One video, captured by Tobi Hall, shows the three cubs scurrying up a grassy embankment, followed by their mother, who stops to survey the area before following the triplets.
“Mother bear and her three baby cubs is a very special sign to me,” said Hall. “Lately I've been in some need for self-care… it’s a sign of love, light and laughter from my higher self letting me know all is good. Or … it’s just a black bear and three cubs.”
Regardless of why the bears are in the 'neigh-bear-hood', residents are being reminded to take steps to keep easy food sources such as garbage, bird feeders, pet food, and unclean grills or compost, out of reach of wildlife.
“Bears, like other wildlife, are not able to distinguish between natural and non-natural foods, they simple seek out sustenance,” said Mollie Cameron from Wild Wise, a Sooke-based volunteer-run educational program, which is working with the City of Colwood to promote safe coexistence with wildlife.
The Conservation Officer Service (COS), has also said it is aware of and is monitoring the bear family unit in Colwood.
“The community is urged to take steps to help prevent these bears, and other wildlife, from becoming comfortable around people and getting into conflicts,” said a spokesperson for COS in an emailed statement.
Bear conflicts can be reported to COS via the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
