Gibsons residents are advised to be careful with their animals as a grizzly bear has been confirmed in the area and was demonstrating predatory behaviour.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS)’s Dean Miller said the bear was first spotted near the Port Mellon area and they suspect grizzly bears come up over the high ridge from Salmon Inlet. Since then he said it seems like the grizzly bear has moved into a more residential area.
Miller said it is not common for grizzlies to be in the Gibsons area.
Miller said the young adult bear has been seen chasing livestock and seems to be acting predatorily.
Noting that the coastal grizzly bear population is fragile, BCCOS is asking nearby residents to be vigilant.
Speaking about what the public can do to stay safe, Miller said animal husbandry – the control and management of domestic animals, as well as managing attractants, are key.
“It’s just a bear, so we’re not really asking the public to do much different except be super good with their husbandry," he said.
Miller speculates that the grizzly bear is using the power line clearing behind Gibsons to get in and out of town and advises residents to avoid using the trails connected to Reed Road and Cemetary Road for the time being.
Although the Ursus arctos horribilis are less common than black bears on the Coast, it’s not unheard of to see a grizzly.
In 2019, a grizzly bear was sighted near Hidden Grove, in 2016, a grizzly was captured in West Sechelt and relocated via helicopter and earlier that year, the first confirmed grizzly in the Egmont area was shot by a property owner because it was attacking their livestock.
As of 2018 (the most recent population estimate), there are believed to be 14,925 grizzly bears in B.C. The B.C. government has committed to sustaining the bears and has identified 55 distinct grizzly bear populations throughout the province.
Other public safety tips
In a Facebook post Sept. 4, WildSafeBC Sunshine Coast advised the public to avoid hiking trails and bush around Reed and Payne Roads.
Other tips the organization shared:
- Keep children close by and pets on leash.
- When walking near wooded areas: carry bear spray, walk in groups, and make some noise to avoid surprising a bear.
- Pick fruit trees as they ripen.
- Secure garbage until the morning of pick up, or take it directly to the landfill.
- Put away or clean BBQs, bring pet food indoors, remove bird feeders and any other source of food or food scents.
It also advises to report sightings of the bear to the BCCOS RAPP line: 1-877-952-7277 or online at https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
