Most of Critter Care’s escaped bears have now been released back to the wild in the area they were originally rescued from.
The one bear still on the lam has been spotted in the Campbell Valley area twice going ‘about her bear business,’ said Critter Care on their Facebook page.
On Thursday, June 22, Jack the bear, who was housed in the third bear enclosure, was released back to the Chilliwack area.
Nita and Denahi were loaded for release and taken back to the Squamish area, said Critter Care staff.
Kenai and Koda were moved from the damaged enclosure to one of the unoccupied bear enclosures.
These bears will be heading back to Nelson for release in the next few weeks.
Tanana, the bear that is still on the lam, has been spotted twice in and around Campbell Valley Park.
“We cannot 100 per cent confirm that these sightings were Tanana as no one was able to verify that there was a tag in her ear. Tanana has a yellow ear tag in her left ear. Both times it was early in the morning and she was going about her business doing bear things,” said Critter Care.
“There are still no plans to try and capture her. There are two other bears that live in the area and as long as Tanana continues to just go about her business and be a bear she will stay. Critter Care would also like to remind people to please be bear smart and manage any and all attractants so that Tanana (and the two other local bears) can continue to live peacefully in our area.”
On June 18, part of the bear enclosure roof suddenly collapsed allowing five of the six bears at Critter Care to gain access to the roof of the enclosure.
Staff followed all protocols and notified Conservation officers. Four of the five bears were successfully lured back into the enclosure.
All four bears that were housed in the damaged enclosure spent Sunday night in the isolation area of the enclosure. This area can be closed off from the main enclosure and is used to seperate the bears so staff can clean.
If you think you have spotted Tanana or have any questions please give Critter Care a call at 604-530-2064.
Also, due to all the construction and enhancement of enclosures there will be no open house weekend this July at Critter Care. In past years, Critter Care Rehabilitation Centre opens its doors to the public for two days only in July, allowing visitors a rare, up close view of baby raccoons, otters, beavers and skunks that are staying at the centre.
PHOTOS BELOW:
Jack is seen here sedated, before being brought back to the Chilliwack area where he was originally rescued from. Jack was one of the five bruins from last week’s great escape from Critter Care.
Kenai and Koda were moved from the damaged enclosure to one of the unoccupied bear enclosures.
These bears will be heading back to Nelson for release in the next few weeks.
