An investigation has been launched into the death of a grizzly bear that was shot and killed on Texada Island earlier this week.
On Monday, July 14th, the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) received reports of a grizzly that had been seen on the island for the past few weeks, may have been shot and injured.
BCCOS responded on Tuesday to begin their investigation and found the grizzly dead.
Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, and MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast provided a statement following the news of this grizzly’s untimely death.
“I’m saddened to hear of the death of the grizzly bear on Texada Island. This isn’t how we wanted this to end,” said Neill.
“The timing is especially unfortunate as we were actively working with First Nations on a new plan to attempt to capture and translocate the grizzly bear from Texada Island to a remote area up the Coast, far away from communities.”
Local First Nations had come forward and requested this approach to safely move the grizzly from harm’s way.
“The bear was sighted on July 10. Unfortunately, before we could confirm its movements and place the trap, we heard reports of the bear’s death, which was confirmed by the Conservation Office Service this morning,” Neill continued.
“Once the necropsy is complete, we will work with the Tla’amin First Nation and shíshálh Nation to ensure the bear’s remains are returned to them for ceremonial purposes.”
Officers with the BCCOS say that while the investigation is underway, they will be unable to provide additional details to the public.
“We do understand that this can generate a lot of interest and emotion from the public and as soon as the investigation is complete, we’ll be happy to share more information,” said Inspector Simon Gravel, BCCOS.
Gravel continued by asking that anyone who has more information about this grizzly’s shooting, report it to the RAP line at 1-877-952-7277.
