Image still pulled from provided video.
A BC black bear who got their head stuck in a brewpub’s grease trap was successfully rescued and released – but the upsetting incident is a strong reminder of the importance of addressing attractants.
As reported by Global News, the Gibsons-area bear – a yearling – was caught with their head in the commercial grease trap. These metal containers hold the used grease from inside a restaurant and are extremely alluring to many animals, from rats to black bears. Though there is caging to prevent animals from entering it, the younger black bear was able to get their head in – but not out.
The footage is upsetting – the black bear struggling, potentially for several hours – to get their head out of the metal contraption. Their back paws were unable to gain traction, leading to what must have been a traumatic experience for the bear.
Local RCMP officers attended the scene, and fortunately, an off-duty conservation officer was located and was able to tranquilize the young bear. He was safely removed from the trap, and relocated to nearby woods, where he was revived and released.
The grease trap itself is meant to be bear proof – and the company who owns the property told Global News they were “extremely upset” by what happened and will be working to fortify their property to prevent it from occurring again.
This incident is an unsettling reminder that homeowners, business owners, and anyone else responsible for managing landscapes take time to evaluate attractants around their property and address them before crises occur. You can learn more about attractants, how they impact wildlife, and where to look for them by visiting www.TheFurBearers.com/attractants.
