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Wildlife rescue centre issues warning after people caught feeding black bear on Vancouver Island

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Vancouver Island’s MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre is reminding residents to avoid feeding wild animals after the rehabilitation facility received multiple reports of people feeding a black bear near Kennedy Lake.

According to MARS, with road construction appearing along the Pacific Rim Highway (Highway 4), islanders have been seen feeding a local black bear in the Kennedy Lake area while stuck in traffic.

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While black bears may appear harmless, the rescue centre is reminding residents that feeding any wildlife can pose a danger to both humans and animals.

“A Black Bear may look safe, but it is a wild animal,” said MARS in a Facebook post. “The person feeding the bear may be at risk of an attack.”

“Feeding the bear conditions it to accept food from people, so other people are at risk of an attack when they refuse food to the bear, and feeding the bear is putting the bear at high risk of having to be euthanized because it’s become a problem bear or it has attacked someone.”

“Please treat wild animals with due respect.”

Victoria Buzz has reached out to MARS for further details.

We have received reports that people waiting in line for the Highway work along Kennedy Lake on the way to Tofino have…

Posted by MARS Wildlife Rescue Centre on Friday, August 16, 2019

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Adam Chan
Former Staff Writer at Victoria Buzz.

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