Relocated mama bear returns, killed by wildlife officers

A mother black bear previously relocated away from the city was killed by Yukon Conservation officers in Whitehorse Tuesday morning.

After it was destroyed, officers determined it was the bear they relocated from the Copper Ridge area two weeks ago.

The bear had been seen feeding with her two cubs on dandelions along Hamilton Boulevard, and on other natural food sources earlier this summer. 

Officials say the bear then discovered unsecured wheelie bins in Copper Ridge and became "a garbage bear."

The bear had been relocated across the Yukon River. Officials say it swam back and returned to the area two days ago, based on reports received of a black bear sow with two cubs seen in the Takhini, McIntyre, Granger and Copper Ridge neighbourhoods.

"The resident opened his garage and the black bear came screaming out of their backyard, so we attempted to adverse condition the bear away from the property twice but the bear returned immediately right after and then hopped into another backyard," said Ryan Hennings, a conservation officer with Environment Yukon.

"At that time officers were forced to destroy the bear."

Conservation officers are trying to capture the cubs and find a home for them.

They remind Whitehorse homeowners to secure their garbage and other bear attractants.