A conservation officer has shot a marauding black bear at a campsite on the outskirts of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The bear was killed Monday night after it ripped apart a tent at the Bella Pacifica campground, looking for food.

No people were hurt in the incident.

BearSmart spokeswoman Crystal MacMillan, who works with the local conservation office, said there were tourists watching when the bear was shot.

She also told CBC News that the bear had been a continuing problem in the area this summer.

"He's been taking chicken off the grills when people have been cooking. He's been knocking over coolers and taking out steaks and sausages and cheese," she said.

"It's not unusual, if there are attractants left around, if there's poor garbage management from the municipality, like commercial dumpster systems, residential garbage, these bears will be around."

Conservation officers are warning people in the Tofino-Ucluelet area not to leave out food or garbage that might attract bears.