21.7°C Vancouver

Jul 24, 2020 9:24 PM -

Explosive devices to scare bears banned in Vancouver over safety, noise issues

Share On
explosive-devices-to-scare-bears-banned-in-vancouver-over-safety-noise-issues
B.C. Conservation officers and Sooke Fire Department members work to catch a black bear in Sooke, B.C. on Tuesday April 9, 2013. Bear bangers and other explosive animal deterrents such as seal bombs have been banned from sale and use in Vancouver. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Vancouver City Council has approved a ban on the sale of bear bangers and other exploding animal deterrents within city limits.

Council says the new rule takes effect immediately and violators face a maximum $1,000 fine.

The ban comes as several neighbourhoods have been repeatedly rocked at all hours by blasts from bear bangers, devices with an explosive charge that is supposed to be used to scare away curious bruins.

Council says Vancouver residents who need bear bangers outside the city can buy them online or in neighbouring communities while the city mulls a permitting system to provide the items to pros who use them as part of their job.

Latest news

WorldApr 20, 2026

Eight children killed in Shreveport domestic shooting; suspect shot dead by police

Eight children between the ages of one and 14 were killed in a shooting described by police as a domestic disturbance in Shreveport early Sunday, according to local authorities. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said officers responded around 6 a.m. to reports of gunfire and found multiple victims across three locations connected to the incident. A total of 10 people were shot, Smith said, with the eight children confirmed dead. Police said the suspected shooter fled the scene in a vehicle and was later fatally shot by officers following a pursuit. Authorities have not released the suspect?
ottawa-approves-gradual-increase-in-direct-passenger-cargo-flights-with-china
CanadaApr 20, 2026

Ottawa approves gradual increase in direct passenger, cargo flights with China

The federal government says it will allow a gradual increase in direct air travel between Canada and China, expanding both passenger and cargo flight capacity after years of reduced service. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the change will permit Canadian and Chinese airlines to increase direct passenger flights and operate up to 20 cargo flights per week, with reciprocal access to destinations in both countries. The announcement follows outreach by Prime Minister Mark Carney during a visit to Beijing in January. According to a federal statement, the adjustment is intended to support t
alberta-government-meets-grocers-on-food-prices-as-affordability-concerns-grow
AlbertaApr 20, 2026

Alberta government meets grocers on food prices as affordability concerns grow

The Alberta government says it is meeting with major grocery retailers as part of an effort to address rising food costs, according to a statement from Service Alberta. Service Alberta Minister Dale Nally said food prices have increased across Canada and globally, and the province is engaging with grocery operators to explore ways to reduce costs for Albertans. The statement did not outline specific measures under consideration or a timeline for potential changes. Premier Danielle Smith also addressed the issue during her provincewide radio show on Saturday, saying many residents are frustrate
canadian-armed-forces-exceed-recruitment-targets-for-second-straight-year-defence-minister-says
CanadaApr 20, 2026

Canadian Armed Forces exceed recruitment targets for second straight year, defence minister says

Canada’s military has surpassed its annual recruitment targets for a second consecutive year, according to Defence Minister David McGuinty, signalling renewed interest among younger Canadians in joining the armed forces. McGuinty said more than 7,300 people enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces over the past year. According to the Department of National Defence, the recruitment goal for 2025–26 was 6,957 new members, which has now been exceeded. The previous year also saw higher-than-expected intake, with 6,706 recruits joining against a target of 6,496. The federal government attributes t
IndiaApr 20, 2026

Bus crash in Indian-administered Kashmir kills 21, dozens injured

At least 21 people were killed and about 45 others injured after a passenger bus veered off a mountainous highway and plunged down a steep slope in Indian-administered Kashmir on Monday, according to local authorities. Civil administrator Prem Singh said the 42-seat bus was carrying more than 60 passengers from Ramnagar to Udhampur when it collided with an auto-rickshaw at a sharp curve. The impact caused the bus to lose control and fall approximately 30 metres onto a lower road. Officials said 19 people died at the scene, while two others succumbed to their injuries after being transported to

Related News