Euthanized Dorval bear memorialized in wood by local chainsaw artist
A bear that became a brief celebrity in Dorval this past May is getting some new-found respect.
The animal first appeared in Dorval backyards near the waterfront. Authorities told locals to stay indoors while the search got underway.
The animal was eventually captured, and then euthanized, leaving many residents outraged.
One woman who lives on Strathmore Street, near where the bear was captured, had an idea after being required to cut-down most of a 200 year-old tree on her yard.
She hired local chainsaw carving artist Dale Ruff to turn what is left of her tree into a tribute to the bear.
The 15-foot-high monument was carved in two phases, using several sizes of chainsaws.
“I drew some sketches, the owner came up with one,” says Ruff. “The result is pretty close”
The size of the statue is so imposing that people driving by regularly stop to look and take pictures.
Chainsaw carving artist Dale Ruff works on a carving of a bear that was euthanized after running through a Dorval neighbourhood on July 24, 2021. (Stephane Giroux, CTV News)
Chainsaw artist Dale Ruff carves a memorial to a bear that ran loose in a Dorval neighbourhood before being captured and euthanized on July 24, 2021. (Stephan Giroux, CTV News)
“I’m super stoked that (the owner) got me into this project. It feels good, so many people are interested. It’s not bad for a high-school drop-out”
But most of all, it’s a reminder of an instant love affair between a wild animal and a suburban population who’s routine was briefly interrupted by a visit not soon forgotten.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Auston Matthews returns for Game 7, but Leafs minus injured goaltender Joseph Woll
Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews returned to the lineup for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins on Saturday night.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.