A black bear captured in Riverdale last Saturday was euthanized, not relocated, Environment Yukon said this week.

Whitehorse conservation officers responded to a TIPP report of a bear on a Ketza Road property late last Saturday afternoon.

“The female black bear was attracted to birdseed from an easily-accessible front-yard bird feeder,” Environment Yukon said.

“Bears that are rewarded with human food sources often become a threat to public safety. They no longer fear people, houses or vehicles and may become more aggressive in their search for food.”

Based on an examinationof the animal’s teeth, the department said, “We believe the bear was a young adult, under five years of age.

“It appeared to be in poor health – patchy fur, unnatural behaviour and 10kg less than when the bear had been collared and translocated in May of this year.

“Due to the high level of food conditioning and history of conflict, this bear was not a suitable candidate for behaviour modification or relocation. CO’s tranquilized the bear to remove it from the area, and it was ultimately euthanized.

“This is not the outcome we wanted, and it was the last resort. We can’t stress enough how important it is to do your part to prevent human-wildlife conflict by properly managing your attractants, including garbage, birdseed, barbecues, outdoor fridges and freezers, recycling, compost, citronella and pet food.

“This is the easiest, cheapest and most effective way to keep people and bears safe.”

Members of the public are asked to report unnatural bear activity to the 24/7 TIPP line at 1-800-661-0525.