A mother black bear (Ursus americanus)  and one of her two cubs close to Tete Jaune in British Columbia

This small family of black bears crossed the road just in front of our vehicle. Just before getting in the car, we heard from a local that he had heard a gunshot the day before. He said that he feared that someone had shot a bear for 'trespassing' on his property. This seems to happen regularly, because regulations are not very strict at all. In principle killing bears is illegal, but offenders are usually not punished. Fortunately, this little family has survived up till now.

Image number: AWMC006