A NEW APPROACH
Tex, a young grizzly bear, was killed on Texada Island on the B.C. Coast. How could this have been prevented?
A tragic end. An urgent call for change.
Tex, the young grizzly who captured hearts around the world, was shot and killed yesterday, on July 14th, despite weeks of efforts by the Grizzly Bear Foundation, Texada Island residents, Indigenous leaders, and conservation experts to help give him a better chance.
Every bear lost to human causes is a profound reminder of the urgent need for change in how we coexist with nature. His death is heartbreaking — and it demands change.
Now, 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.
GrizzCast
Tex’s story must be told – and it’s not the only one. Your donation supports:
- Produce and distribute high-impact episodes in real time
- Amplify underrepresented voices
- Build public awareness that drives policy change
GRIZZCAST DISPATCHES #1
In this first episode, we follow the developing story of “Tex,” a young male grizzly bear who made headlines after swimming to Texada Island, British Columbia. His journey has sparked complex discussions around coexistence, conservation, and what it truly means to protect wildlife in an era of climate change and reconciliation. Tiy’ap thote – Erik Blaney of the Tla’amin Nation and the shishalh Nation’s resource stewardship team — joins us to explore how Indigenous leadership is helping shape Tex’s future. From policy to culture, and traditional ecological knowledge to modern translocation planning, this is a story of hope, self-determination, and action.
grizzcast Dispatches #2
This episode features renowned bear biologist, independent research scientist, and human-bear conflict expert Dr. Lana Ciarniello. Drawing on her deep knowledge of grizzly bear biology and behaviour, we explore why grizzlies are on the move, the difference between relocation and translocation, and practical advice for Texada Island residents on how to live safely with grizzly bears.
GRIZZCAST DISPATCHES #3
In the third episode, we are joined by BC Conservation Officer Sergeant Dean Miller to talk about grizzly bears returning to parts of Southwest BC, including the Sunshine Coast, and what this means for communities and conservation. We dive into on-the-ground details of Tex’s story, offering insight into the role of the Conservation Officer Service, how decisions like relocations are made, and the importance of public awareness, shared responsibilities, and partnerships — including with the shíshálh Nation — as people adapt to living with grizzlies returning to new and old ground."How could Tex’s death have been prevented? That’s the question we must ask—and answer.
Tex’s death is a tragedy that we must learn from to build a better path forward for bears and communities."
- Nicholas Scapillati, Executive Director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation
IN THE MEDIA
BBC WORLD FORUM
LISTEN: Go to the 44 minute mark to hear an in-depth interview with GBF