Editor, The News:
Re: Needs to be fewer bears (Letters, June 1).
I fully agree with the views expressed by Mark Mellish concerning the problems association with bear and human encounters in Whonnock.
We have lived in the area for 45 years and there is no doubt that bears have become more numerous and less shy of humans.
Mr. Mellish was fortunate that a passing motorist helped him avoid what could have been a tragic end to his encounter with the bear.
Things have now reached the stage where one3 must not compost, and must thank twice about growing fruit trees or bushes, even taking a walk or riding a bike in this area.
Mr. Mellish is also right in his assessment of the Bear Aware program, which trots out a growing list of restrictions and constraints, while ignoring the obvious – there are simply too many bears around.
However, there is some positive news for Mr. Mellish and other Whonnock residents concerned about the bear problem and the myopic approach of the Bear Aware program.
I have it on good authority that a ‘Human Aware’ program is getting off the ground.
This was sparked by rumours that the Bear Aware people, ever anxious to control the behavior of the human population in Whonnock, had come up with a plan to selectively tranquilize residents for resettlement in downtown Haney or darkest Pitt Meadows.
This plan was devised only after a previous one involving a cull of all Whonnockians was narrowly voted down.
Full details of the ‘Human Aware’ program have yet to be made public, but are expected to be revealed when the founder and local social anthropologist addresses a rally at Whonnock Lake.
Watch for further information.
Bob Wyllie
Maple Ridge