Injured bear found on Sea-to-Sky Highway euthanized

CTV News

5 hours ago

The Sea to Sky Highway between Squamish and Whistler is shown in this undated photo. (Shutterstock.com)
Officials say a black bear that was found injured on the side of the Sea-to-Sky Highway had to be euthanized.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service told CTV News it was sent to the scene near Squamish late Saturday morning.
It is unclear whether the bear was hit by a car or injured in another way.
'The bear was a traffic safety hazard and was unable to leave the scene due to its injuries,' a spokesperson wrote in an email Sunday. 'The bear was assessed to have critical injuries and was euthanized by COs.'
The BCCOS thanked members of the public who reported the suffering animal.
Several people on local social media groups expressed distain for drivers reportedly pulling over to look at the bear and take pictures. In a comment the Sea to Sky B.C. SPCA said witnesses should consider calling police to report pulled over cars as 'dangerous obstructions.'
The BCCOS previously told CTV News stopping cars to view wildlife and approaching bears is dangerous and could lead to fines, after a video of people doing just that drew ire in Whistler.
Read more: Video of drivers pulled over on highway to photograph bears in Whistler draws outrage