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A wildlife-advocacy group is headed to B.C. Supreme Court to challenge the way the provincial government kills wildlife, especially young black bear cubs, that come into contact with humans.

The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals argues that conservation officers often kill bears that do not pose a threat to people and property and might be candidates for rehabilitation and return to the wild.

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“We need to look at non-lethal ways of managing wildlife,” Lesley Fox, executive-director of The Fur-Bearers, said in an interview Tuesday.

She acknowledged there will be times when officers must kill bears, especially adult animals habituated to humans and posing a risk. But she said the risk is low for cubs under six months of age. She said she also wants officers to fine more landowners as a deterrent to ensure they keep food away from bears.

The Ministry of Environment did not immediately comment on the lawsuit.