Conservation of Atlantic Whitefish and Euthanization of Black Bear in BC Provincial Park
July 31, 2023 By: Clarissa Wight
Conservation efforts are being made to re-establish Atlantic whitefish into the environment after near extinction due to humans. A dam was made on the Petite Rivière to create a water reservoir for the Town of Bridgewater. The dam blocked the migration route for the fish that return from the ocean to spawn in freshwater rivers which has limited their abilities to reproduce. In the process of restoring their population, the number of Atlantic whitefish in captivity has surpassed the population in the wild. The situation of these fish parallels that of the bison that once roamed Yellowstone.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/french-beach-park-bear-1.6920498
In a provincial park in BC, a bear has learned to recognize that campers have food sources with them. As a result, the bear will be euthanized once trapped. The prioritization of campers over wildlife aligns with arguments made by John Stanlos that the park system is based on profit over wildlife preservation. The bear will be euthanized for the benefit of people using the park even though it contradicts the notion of leaving the parks “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations” (Sandlos, 72).
Sandlos, John. “Nature’s Playground: The Parks Branch and Tourism Promotion in the National Parks, 1911–1929.” In A Century of Parks Canada, 1911–2011, edited by Claire Elizabeth Campbell, 53–78. Calgary: University of Calgary Press, 2011.
Hello Clarissa
I too find the irony of attempting to restore a population but then increasing the number in captivity vs in the environment quite interesting. I also find it quite sad that a bears life was lost as a result of poor decisions made by humans. I do wonder however if the parks system is to blame, or the blame should be on the actions of the people who enjoy the parks.