The Kitimat RCMP were forced to kill a grizzly bear when it was found rummaging through a tent.

Police were called July 15 on the bear complaint near the Pollution Control Centre off of the Lower Dyke Road. Police found a lone grizzly attempting to get in to a tent.

Police say they attempted to frighten the bear away but “it appeared that the bear was human food habituated and goal oriented in to getting in to the tent.”

The campsite, police say, was “littered with human food, garbage, and fish guts.”

Police say a dog tied up within two feet of the bear was barking and growling but was also not affecting the bear.

The RCMP and the Kitimat Bear Aware program are urging people to cut down on odours by keeping a garbage free campsite, throw fish guts in to the water after cleaning and ensuring all food and fish are away from your tent.

Police say that feeding bears, even unintentionally, is against the law as per the Dangerous Wildlife Protection Act.

Meanwhile Kitimat RCMP Cpl. Chris Manseau says the location of the camp has been forwarded to the Conservation Officer Service, however charges are not actively being pursued at this time as “the site owner wasn’t positively identified.”

Manseau added, though, that “However, we do have an idea of who they are, and if identity gets confirmed we will be speaking to them about this incident.”

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The Kitimat Bear Aware Facebook page has posted this full list on how to camp safely:

• Make noise

• Always keep a garbage free camp

• Gut your fish close to the shoreline

• Throw the fish guts in the water afterwards

• Keep your fish cooler in your RV or in your vehicle

• Make sure all food and fish is far away from your tent

• Keep bear pepper spray on hand as first defense

If you encounter a bear remember to remain calm, you can do so by talking to the bear. Make yourself as large as possible and back away slowly. If the bear gets to close use bear spray and fight with all your might!