**
Two residents of Texada Island, Kody Bevan and Seneca Antony, have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs associated with fines and legal fees imposed following the death of a grizzly bear last year. The pair pleaded guilty in Powell River provincial court to failing to report the wounding or killing of the bear, an offence under section 75(2) of British Columbia’s Wildlife Act. The court handed down a total penalty of £6,000, with a portion of the fines earmarked for the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.
Incident Details
The grizzly bear, affectionately known as Tex, was reportedly shot after allegedly threatening Bevan and Antony’s dairy cows. In their GoFundMe appeal, the duo claimed that they were compelled to take action to protect their livestock. They stated that after shooting the bear, it fled, prompting them to track it down to prevent it from suffering. In their social media post, they expressed concern that the legal repercussions they faced could deter others from taking necessary actions during dangerous wildlife encounters.
Expert Opinions
Nicholas Scapillati, the executive director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, acknowledged the significance of the conviction while highlighting systemic issues within the Wildlife Act. “This was an important conviction,” he noted. “It’s crucial to recognise that the Wildlife Act was violated, and we must value wildlife more than our current actions suggest. However, we must remember that this legislation has not been updated since the 1800s, and it is currently under review. This presents an opportunity for change.”
Delays in Relocation Efforts
The bear, spotted on Texada Island in late May, was slated for relocation approximately 100 kilometres northwest to Bute Inlet. Unfortunately, by the time the British Columbia government approved the necessary measures, the bear had already been killed. Ellie Lamb, a bear behaviour educator, expressed frustration over the delays, stating, “There was nothing but heel-dragging by our province. My concern is that this is a systemic issue that we are witnessing repeatedly.”
B.C.’s Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship was unavailable for comments on this pressing matter. Scapillati emphasized the need for a more efficient response from the province, suggesting improved collaboration with First Nations governments to effectively manage wildlife interactions. “There’s a lot of work to be done, and hopefully, this case serves as a good message so we can move forward,” he added.
Why it Matters
This case underscores the delicate balance between human needs and wildlife conservation, particularly in regions where rural communities intersect with natural habitats. The tragic outcome for Tex the bear highlights gaps in current wildlife management policies and the urgency of modernising the Wildlife Act. As communities continue to grapple with the realities of living alongside wildlife, a thoughtful and collaborative approach is essential to ensure both human safety and the protection of our natural ecosystems.
