In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1984. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: This question and how to coexist with bears in the area remain an important topic in Whistler today. Learn more about Whistler’s relationship with bears here.
Question: How should Whistler deal with bears that enter populated areas?
Jean Jacques Finel – Hotel Clerk – Vancouver
You can’t exterminate them, but it should be possible to do something. In my opinion they should try to do something about it – try to make sure those bears are going to stay alive. It’s a thing you have to live with.
Craig Barker – Security Patroller – Nesters
If they bother people they should be trapped or tranquilized. I don’t think they should be shot. I don’t think the shooting on the golf course was necessary (a black bear was killed there last week) but I wasn’t there.
Charlotte Sherriff – Ski Patroller – Tapley’s Farm
The thing is that they always come back and if they are a hazard they have to be done away with. I would rather see them trapped than shot.