It’s unclear how, but five bears in captivity died suddenly this week.
The Northern Lights Wildlife Society, based in Smithers, said it found four of its bears dead Monday morning in their enclosures. A fifth showing signs of illness died Wednesday morning, despite treatment attempt.
“Necropsies showed acute liver failure, but no clues as to why,” the society said on its social media page. “We are now anxiously awaiting lab results.”
To be safe, the shelter is under quarantine at least until results are returned. All other bears appear unaffected so far.
In the meantime, the society is saddened by the loss.
“We are all under shock and devastated.”
One of the bears was Stout, who came from Vernon. Gimlet, from Trail, also died. And three bears from Dawson Creek – Kokanee, Bacardi and Mimosa – all died.
“We have faced hard times and loss before, but this is way out there,” the Society said.