Grizzly 'Tex' Dies After Relocation Attempt on Texada Island
A grizzly bear, known locally as 'Tex', has died on Texada Island after residents attempted to relocate it. Two island residents face charges for their involvement in the incident.
Tex, a four-year-old male grizzly, had been living on the island for nearly a month after swimming across from the mainland. Residents, concerned for the bear's safety and the island's ecosystem, raised funds to relocate Tex to the Mamalilikulla First Nation's territory in Knight Inlet. However, the B.C. government had previously resisted relocation efforts due to low success rates from past attempts.
On July 1, Tex was found dead in the Van Anda area. Two island residents have been charged with failing to promptly report the bear's killing, contrary to the B.C. Wildlife Act. The men are set to stand trial on October 14 in Powell River, but their names have not been publicly released.
The death of Tex has sparked conversation about bear management and relocation strategies in British Columbia. The upcoming trial will determine the outcome for the two charged individuals, while the Mamalilikulla First Nation has expressed willingness to accept bears like Tex into their territory.
