I would like to personally thank two conservation officers — Gord Gudbranson, of Black Creek, and Tim Schumacher, of Port Hardy, — for their outstanding efforts to save two black bear cubs that surely would have died without the care of their mother that was killed Thursday night.
She was hit by a vehicle on Hwy. 19, 15 km south of Port Hardy.
I was driving to work Friday morning on Hwy. 19 when I came upon what was definitely a dead black bear.
I slowed and noticed two small bear cubs cuddled up to their dead mother.
It was such a sad sight and I knew for sure the two cubs would be dead within a couple of days if someone didn't do something to help.
I pulled over and called the RCMP and told them about the incident and asked if they could call conservation officers to help.
All day in Port Alice where I was working, I wondered what will happen to the little guys. The next day I was able to talk to Schumacher who said he responded to the call and went out to look.
I thought that's all they could do because they are undermanned and underfunded and would have to let nature take its course. But no, I was wrong — big time.
Schumacher called for another conservation officer and the two of them spent 12 hours tracking and eventually darting the cubs.
Outstanding work, fellas!
I'm glad the right was done and now the two cubs will have a better chance at the bear sanctuary south of Parksville.
Thanks again.
Dave Janke
Port Hardy