An adult female black bear with an extensive history of conflict in Golden Ears Park has been put down, the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) says.

The service says the sow had no fear of people and had broken into several vehicles to access food. It had also entered a tent and multiple campsites in search of food, and was often seen in campgrounds, approaching people, during daytime hours.

The bear was destroyed late Thursday to ensure public safety, according to the BCCOS.

“We recognize this incident and response may be distressing for people. Dispatching any bear is not the outcome we want,” said Insp. Simon Gravel.

“This bear learned to associate people with food, and its behaviour was escalating. All options were exhausted, and unfortunately, dispatching was the only outcome to keep people safe.”

Also on Thursday, two black bear cubs were found in the area and were subsequently tranquilized, captured, and assessed. After it was determined they hadn’t been involved in any conflicts, they were taken to Critter Care Wildlife Society, an authorized wildlife rehabilitation facility in Langley.

The BCCOS says it is working with BC Parks to monitor bear activity in Golden Ears Park.