Tex the Grizzly Shot Dead. How Could This Have Been Prevented? Grizzly Bear Foundation Calls for a New Approach.
Grizzly Bear on Texada Island Shot Dead. How Could This Have Been Prevented? Grizzly Bear Foundation Calls for a New Approach.
The Grizzly Bear Foundation is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Tex, the young male grizzly bear who spent the past month exploring Texada Island, capturing the hearts and concern of people around the globe. Every bear lost to human causes is a profound reminder of the urgent need for change in how we coexist with nature.
“How could Tex’s death have been prevented? That’s the question we must ask—and answer,” said Nicholas Scapillati, Executive Director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation. “Tex’s death is a tragedy that we must learn from to build a better path forward for bears and communities.”
Tex’s story underscores the critical importance of A New Approach—the Grizzly Bear Foundation’s new collaborative initiative with the Province of British Columbia aimed at reducing preventable bear deaths, enhancing bear well-being, and improving public understanding and engagement in how we live with grizzly bears and black bears in B.C. Over the next few months, an expert panel, First Nations, and stakeholder focus groups will inform recommendations for Provincial policy and procedures, and all aspects of how we work together to keep bears and communities safe.
“With the loss of this intelligent and curious and important young grizzly bear, we remain committed to creating real, lasting change in how we respond to human-bear interactions in B.C.,” said Nicholas Scapillati, Executive Director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation. “Grizzly bear populations in southwest BC are critically endangered. This work is about the well-being of bears like Tex, the recovery of the species, and supporting the people who work and live alongside bears.”
Over the past month, the Grizzly Bear Foundation has been closely following Tex’s story—supporting the Tla’amin and shishalh First Nations and the Province in working toward a conservation-through-reconciliation approach: a government-to-government solution aimed at the best outcome for Tex and the Texada Island community. We’ve engaged with First Nations, scientists, Conservation Officers, and government representatives to explore how both current and new approaches can lead to better outcomes for bears and communities.
Help us build a better future for bears like Tex.
Support A New Approach with a donation today.
Alongside this work, we’re sharing Tex’s story – and why it matters – through GrizzCast Dispatches, our new short-format podcast featuring real-time updates and on-the-ground voices in grizzly bear conservation. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or at grizzcast.grizzlybearfoundation.com.
In the News:
CBC News: Inside the secret plan to relocate a wayward B.C. grizzly bear
CBC News: Controversial grizzly killed on island off B.C. coast, conservation officers investigating
Global News: Texada Island’s lone grizzly bear found dead after being shot
The Guardian: Grizzly with checkered past swims miles to Canadian island – and into hot water
Banner photo by Taylor Michael Burk.
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