Close X
Thursday, October 31, 2024
ADVT 
National

Devices to scare bears banned in Vancouver

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 24 Jul, 2020 09:19 PM
  • Devices to scare bears banned in Vancouver

A popular backcountry item used to humanely deter bears has been banned from sale or use in Vancouver.

City council approved the ban on the small explosive devices known as bear bangers following a dramatic increase in complaints about noise and blasts at all hours.

A statement from the city says the use of bear bangers and other exploding animal deterrents, such as seal bombs or air bangers, are banned immediately and violators face a $1,000 fine.

Complaints about bear bangers have soared in several Vancouver neighbourhoods, with more than 500 reports to the city and police in the first half of 2020.

The city says police also have evidence bear bangers have been modified for use as improvised explosive devices, posing a threat to public safety.

Bear bangers sound similar to a rifle shot and are used to harmlessly frighten off bears.

The statement from the city says staff will now consult with animal control experts and others on a possible permitting system for the sale of the devices to professionals who need them for their work.

"Vancouver residents who use bear bangers and other exploding animal deterrents in the wilderness outside of the city may continue to purchase them online or in neighbouring municipalities," the statement says.

MORE National ARTICLES

Morneau repays $41K to WE, faces resignation calls

Morneau repays $41K to WE, faces resignation calls
Finance Minister Bill Morneau faced calls for his resignation Wednesday after revealing he had just repaid over $41,000 in travel charges to WE Charity — an organization MPs heard had multiple contacts with his office while the government planned its $900-million student-volunteer program.

Morneau repays $41K to WE, faces resignation calls

Aid for care homes needed ahead of next wave

Aid for care homes needed ahead of next wave
With an uptick in new cases of COVID-19 in Canada sparking concerns about a second wave of the illness, advocates for seniors in long-term care say more federal support must start flowing immediately to ensure elders do not again become the primary casualties.

Aid for care homes needed ahead of next wave

Calgary man facing terrorism-related charges

Calgary man facing terrorism-related charges
RCMP have laid terrorism-related charges against a Calgary man following what they say was an extensive and complex seven-year investigation.

Calgary man facing terrorism-related charges

Service puppies put through their paces on transit

Service puppies put through their paces on transit
It appears that even service puppies can't escape the changes of the pandemic. Bill Thornton, the CEO of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs, says the new recruits are far behind on their transit training schedule because of COVID-19.

Service puppies put through their paces on transit

Legal action launched against B.C.'s wolf cull

Legal action launched against B.C.'s wolf cull
A British Columbia environmental group has launched a legal petition alleging the provincial government's wolf kill to save caribou is breaking federal and provincial laws.

Legal action launched against B.C.'s wolf cull

Court strikes down Canada-U.S. refugee pact

Court strikes down Canada-U.S. refugee pact
A federal judge has struck down a key agreement on refugees between Canada and the United States, but gave Ottawa six months of breathing room to respond to the landmark decision.

Court strikes down Canada-U.S. refugee pact