A former conservation officer and failed NDP candidate in the May election is calling for policy changes after a massive spike in the number of black bears destroyed last month.

Conservation officers had to put down 119 bears in May, more than double the 52 that were killed in the same month last year, and the deadliest month for the animals in the last six years.

That signals the need for change, according to Bryce Casavant.

LISTEN: Bryce Casavant says human bear conflicts signal the need for change