UPDATE:
- Following a young grizzly bear’s display of food-conditioned behavior and loss of fear towards humans, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported on Aug. 14 that they had to euthanize the mother grizzly for public safety.
- The two remaining yearlings were safely relocated to an undisclosed area for continued monitoring.
- When contacted by CBC News, the service declined to provide any further comments or interviews.
A demonstration was held in Nelson, B.C., on Thursday to voice opposition to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service’s decision to put down a young grizzly bear.
This bear belonged to one of the two grizzly families frequently seen in and around Nelson.
Katie Graves, the founder of Ursa Project Society, described the rally as emotional, with tears and hugs exchanged among participants.
According to Graves, the euthanized grizzly, a yearling with a leg deformity or injury, was unjustly killed.
She argued that the bear was mobile, kept pace with its family, and was capable of feeding itself.
“As it grew older, you could observe it running, albeit with a noticeable limp, essentially moving on three legs.
“There are numerous wild bears known as ‘tripods’ that lead full lives despite such challenges.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) justified the bear’s euthanasia based on its age, injury, and history of conflicts, deeming it unsuitable for rehabilitation or relocation without specifying the nature of these conflicts.
The BCCOS stated, “It is regrettable when an injured, ill, or problematic bear needs to be humanely euthanized. These decisions are not taken lightly.”
Graves highlighted that the mother bear had previously brought cubs to the area in 2023, was relocated, and then returned shortly afterward.
The Conservation Service has not responded to inquiries regarding the status of the other grizzlies — a sow and two yearlings — but assured that each captured bear would undergo evaluation to determine the next course of action.
The incident has ignited a flurry of comments in local Facebook groups, predominantly criticizing the decision to euthanize the grizzly bear.
Many individuals acknowledged the conservation officers’ efforts to safeguard the public and prevent resorting to bear euthanasia.
There was a widespread consensus that residents could improve garbage disposal practices and maintain a safe distance from bears.