Re: Report from bears of the Sunshine Coast, as relayed by Joe Martens (Coast Reporter letters, July 24).
How I wish our local bears really had such an organization (not to mention the ability) to advocate for themselves. If they did, perhaps we wouldn't see so many bears senselessly killed each year up and down this stretch of Coast.
The Bear Aware program was cancelled by the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) this year, ostensibly due to budget cuts. But many of us have been trying to purchase bear-proof garbage cans from the District since last fall, to no avail. This leaves me with the impression that our local government feels it's just cheaper and easier to kill "problem bears" (which rarely exist independently of problem people) than look for a solution that respects and protects both wildlife and humans.
If money is the issue, then here's an idea for an even cheaper solution to the current kill-as-you-go plan - a new bylaw like the one in Port Coquitlam, which fines careless homeowners and businesses who fail to adequately secure their garbage. If actually enforced, this could help generate revenue for bear-proof cans and bins for residents and businesses with more persistent ursine visitors.
Of course, this suggestion assumes that, as a community, we really value our local bears and other wildlife and actually want to help protect them. Unfortunately, if the past actions (and inactions) of residents, businesses and local governments are any indication, I'm not sure we can make that assumption.
Mark J. Lord
Sandy Hook
