Three coastal First Nations have collaborated on a strategy to relocate a troublesome grizzly bear on Texada Island, near B.C.’s Sunshine Coast. Despite this initiative, the provincial government has not yet approved the plan. The government clarified on June 13 that there was no intention to issue a “kill order” for the bear. However, it stated that relocation was not considered feasible due to the bear’s history of returning to human-inhabited areas after being moved twice before.
Texada Island, with a population of around 1,000 residents, is divided on whether the bear should be euthanized, relocated, or left alone. Erik Blaney, acting manager of lands and resources for the shíshálh Nation and a legislator with the Tla’amin Nation, proposed trapping the bear and transporting it about one hundred kilometers northwest to Bute Inlet. This relocation would place the bear among other coastal grizzlies, preventing it from swimming back as it has done in the past.
Blaney collaborated with the shíshálh, Tla’amin, and Homalco First Nations to devise the relocation plan. The proposed relocation site, Orford Bay in Bute Inlet, falls within Homalco territory. Despite having a detailed plan and funding in place, the group lacks the province’s approval and support.
Meetings with provincial officials have yielded some support, but the group has been advised that their actions could violate current policies and result in charges under the Wildlife Act. However, Blaney sees this as an opportunity for the self-governing shíshálh and Tla’amin Nations to take responsibility for their territories.
Homalco Chief Darren Blaney, Erik’s cousin, expressed enthusiasm for the relocation plan, emphasizing the potential to save the bear’s life and enhance local tourism. Orford Bay, where the bear would be relocated, is already home to a significant grizzly population that feeds on abundant salmon, attracting tourists on grizzly tours.
The Ministry of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship mentioned ongoing discussions between the First Nations and the Grizzly Bear Foundation regarding the relocation plan, indicating awareness of the initiative.
