Three orphaned bear cubs on the loose after mother hit by car in Sooke
Three bear cubs are roaming the Sooke area after their mother was fatally struck by a car near West Coast Road just over a week ago. The incident has sparked concern among wildlife organizations and the BC Conservation Officer Service as they work to track down and rescue the orphaned cubs.
The cubs initially sought refuge high in a tree beside the Sooke Basin. According to Wild Wise, a Sooke-based wildlife group, the tree was a frequent retreat for the mother bear and her cubs. Tranquillizing the cubs there would have posed significant risks due to the steep terrain.
Wild Wise initially kept the location vague to prevent curiosity seekers from approaching the cubs. However, the cubs have since climbed down and ventured into more accessible areas. As of Saturday, they were reportedly seen near Townsend and Waddams in Sooke.
Tuesday’s windstorm heightened concerns for the cubs, prompting the BC Conservation Service to seek the public’s help locating them. Wild Wise is asking residents to report any real-time sightings to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 or directly through their Facebook page.
Yesterday, Wild Wise Society posted on Facebook, “We currently have no new updates regarding the three orphaned bear cubs.”
If captured, the cubs will be transported to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre, where they can receive the care they need.
Wild Wise has also pointed to human negligence as a contributing factor in the mother bear’s death.
The group added that “securing attractants is a simple and effective way to coexist with wildlife,” emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent future tragedies like this one. Improperly secured garbage and other attractants draw bears into populated areas, increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions and other dangers.
The group continues to urge residents to manage waste responsibly to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.