Number of black bear deaths shrinks around B.C. in 2025, but slightly increases in north

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — While bear deaths in the region are down overall, the number increased slightly in the north, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS).

The authority released its annual list of communities where bear fatalities occurred in 2025 in a Facebook post on January 22nd. 

The Peace Liard, which encompasses both the Peace region and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, placed the second-lowest province-wide, with 16 deaths throughout 2025.

Among the communities in the Peace Liard region, Fort Nelson led the region with five deaths, with several communities in the region (Charlie Lake, Fort St. John and Pink Mountain) recording two deaths. 

First Nations communities in the northeast, including Doig River and Halfway River, each recorded a single bear death.

This year, bear deaths were split into two categories: ‘dispatch’ deaths and ‘euthanized’ deaths. 

For a kill to qualify as a ‘dispatch’ kill, the bear would need to be killed for public safety reasons, such as wildlife-human conflict. A ‘euthanized’ death is defined as a kill for welfare reasons, such as a bear involved in an automobile collision.

Anthony Eagles, a BCCOS sergeant based in Fort St. John, said this was a slight increase from 12 bears killed in 2024.

“We have seen a small increase in our region, however this is also including the numbers euthanized,” said Eagles. “The situation has been improving in our region.”

Eagles noted regional conditions – especially the ongoing drought and wildfire seasons of 2024 and 2025 – can contribute to a limited berry crop, thus forcing bears to venture into civilization in search of food.

“There are natural food sources where other parts of the region may be seeing more moisture and better berry crops,” said Eagles. 

“We just haven’t quite seen that moisture up in this neck of the woods. That said, if garbage remains unsecure, like in a majority of our cases, regardless of the berry crop, bears may be more inclined to access garbage.”

Eagles recommended securing garbage in a bear-resistant fashion, minimizing bird seed in feeders or utilizing electric fencing around beehives.

Vancouver-based conservation organization The Fur-Bearers said while changes on the list are a positive step, there is much more work to be done.

“The newly-released Conservation Officer Service data is helpful because it allows communities, media and decision-makers to better understand where black bear deaths are occurring, so we can create more opportunities for education and enforcement,” said Fur-Bearers executive director Lesley Fox.

“While compared to other cities, Fort St. John is on the lower end of the statistics related to black bears killed by the BCCOS. [However,] there is still an opportunity to educate residents.

“Attractants, including fruit trees, leaving pet food outside, unsecured livestock and unlocked garbage and compost containers can lead to negative encounters with black bears. It’s also illegal.”

Anyone who encounters wildlife in the city is asked to call the BCCOS Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277. 

The full list of communities can be seen on the government’s website.