While most people prefer to steer clear of bears, a man in British Columbia found a way to use them to his advantage: as security guards for his marijuana plantation. The property owner was self-proclaimed “Bear Dude” Allen Wayne Piche. How did he manage to turn at least 10 adult black bears into docile animals unafraid of humans? By “paying” them with dog food.
The strange scene was discovered late last summer when the property, located near Christina Lake in southeastern British Columbia, was raided by police. During the raid, the bears were apparently so relaxed around humans that one climbed on top of a police cruiser. A few of the police at the scene even posed for photos with the bears in the background.
While charges were being filed against Piche (for feeding dangerous wildlife on his property), the bears went into hibernation. Conservationists in B.C. are waiting to determine the fate of the bears. According to Terry Lake, B.C. Minister of Environment, “They should be coming out [of hibernation] any time. We are hoping if there is no food they will start foraging naturally–if they don’t, we will have to have a plan of action.” If the bears do not revert to natural foraging habits, they could face death. Described as tame and playful by the police that participated in the raid, it is feared that they will be a dangerous nuisance.
Last year, when the bears returned to the woods for hibernation, both animal activists and officials handling the case were thrilled. This was a sign that they may escape a death penalty, but animal rights activists have still continued to collect signatures for a petition to save the former guard animals.
For more on the story (including pictures!), check out the article in the Daily Mail. And for a good laugh, watch this news anchor attempt to deliver the story on air (English subtitles):
