By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Bears slaughtering livestock in Oceanside area

May 8, 2017 | 5:01 PM

PARKSVILLE — Hungry black bears have been taking advantage of roaming livestock north of Qualicum Beach, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

Central Island acting Sgt. Steve Ackles told NanaimoNewsNOW two sheep, a pig and a goat have been killed by bears over the past three weeks.

“People have to have proper animal husbandry on their farms,” he  said. “Sheep should be put in barns at night…electric fencing is the best deterrent for bears.”

He said the animals had lived at small hobby farms in the Qualicum Bay-Bowser areas and that conservation officers are working with the owners on preventative measures.

Traps in the area have been set, according to Ackles.

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Ackles said failing to keep livestock in a secured structure overnight is asking for trouble.

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