Grizzly bear on Texada Island has history of ‘aggressive behaviour and property damage': BCCOS
Conservation officers have provided more information about a grizzly bear that swam to a Gulf Island last month – saying its history includes breaking into boats and stalking people.
The bear was first spotted on Texada Island on May 27, prompting a warning to residents from the qathet Regional District about the danger of bears becoming habituated to humans.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service provided an update on the grizzly Friday, outlining past incidents and previous attempts at relocation.
In September of 2024, the bear was relocated from Gibsons after it was spotted 'roaming around' a local school and downtown streets. It was moved to a 'remote coastal habitat' on Jervis Inlet, according to the BCCOS.
Twelve days later, the bear had returned to the more populous urban area of the Sunshine Coast and was spotted in Sechelt. Once again, it was relocated to the 'far end' of Jervis Inlet, the service said.
In May of this year the bear spent time in Powell River where several concerning incidents were reported, including the bear breaking into boats at the marina in search of bait.
'The bear displayed aggressive behavior by stalking two residents while walking on a trail,' the BCCOS said, describing another troubling encounter.
'The people escaped by entering and remaining in the water for half an hour while the bear remained on shore circling back and forth. The grizzly bear tore up one of their jackets on shore before leaving.'
Since arriving on Texada Island in late May, the bear has 'stalked a resident walking home with her horse and dog for half a kilometer' and was spotted 'chasing livestock.'
Conservation officers are not actively trying to trap the bear but they are poised to respond to reports of additional encounters.
'Due to the high level of conflict history that has impacted public safety - including complaints of public encounters, aggressive behaviour and property damage – this bear is not a candidate for relocation,' the update form the service said.
'Bears that no longer fear people are not candidates for relocation or rehabilitation, due to the risk to public safety. These are difficult decisions, but people's safety is always the top priority. Conservation officers will relocate bears if circumstances allow. In this case, it would not be in the interest of public safety to relocate the bear a third time.'
According to publicly available statistics, calls to the BCCOS about grizzlies are rare. The service received 31 calls between 2011 and 2024 and four grizzly bears have been killed in that time period– none by conservation officers.
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