Texada Island residents, Kody Bevan and Seneca Antony, have been found guilty for not reporting the killing of a grizzly bear in July 2025, as revealed by conservation officers. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service announced on Thursday that both individuals have been fined $3,000 each. The charges stemmed from the incident that occurred in July last year, after a period of controversy on Texada Island regarding the fate of the bear, which had been relocated twice before.
Local opinions were divided on whether the bear, which had a history of being relocated due to its behavior, should be euthanized or left undisturbed. A plan by local First Nations to relocate the bear was in progress when the bear was unfortunately shot. Bevan and Antony were sentenced after admitting to failing to promptly report the bear’s killing or injury.
The fine imposed on the individuals includes a donation of $4,000 to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. It is important to note that the charges do not specify who was responsible for the bear’s death. The incident stirred emotions among the community, particularly among local First Nations, who had hoped for a different outcome for the bear.
The bear, known as “Tex” by the residents of Texada Island, had been relocated multiple times before due to its proximity to populated areas. Despite efforts to move the bear to remote locations, it kept returning, eventually settling on Texada Island. Prior to its death, the bear had exhibited concerning behavior, including stalking residents and livestock on different occasions.
The tragic end of the bear’s life sparked discussions on social media and misinformation, further complicating the situation. Officials had planned to relocate the bear to an isolated area where it could coexist with other grizzlies without the risk of returning to populated regions.
