*Update – October 27, 2023*

Grizzly Bear Update – Shared on behalf of the Conservation Officer Service (COS)

The grizzly that has been in the Whistler area was safely captured on the morning of Thursday, October 26 and will be relocated. Conservation Officers are working with Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship wildlife biologists to assess, tag and collar the bear before its release so its movements can be monitored. It is a healthy male bear weighing approximately 350 pounds.

The grizzly will be relocated to an undisclosed wilderness setting far outside of municipal limits to give it the best chance possible. The COS would like to thank the community for their co-operation in respecting the area closures and securing attractants to help keep wildlife wild.

Conservation Officers will continue to monitor bear activity in Whistler and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety. Please report bear conflicts to 1-877-952-7277.

Update – October 24, 2023

The Conservation Officer Service (COS) has provided a community update on the grizzly bear that has been in the Whistler area over the last several days.

Conservation Officers have been closely monitoring the grizzly, which has not exhibited any aggressive or conflict behaviour and is feeding on natural foods. However, despite their best efforts to give the bear space in the hope that it moves on from the area, it has stayed in the community.

COS do not want the grizzly bear to become too comfortable in busy urban settings. Conservation Officers, in consultation with Ministry of Forests wildlife biologists, will try to safely capture the grizzly bear and if successful, relocate it to a wilderness setting outside of city limits. The bear will also be tagged and collared so its movements can be monitored.

Conservation Officers have set a bear trap today in the area, which remains closed to the public. Additional signage will also be installed. We will continue to provide updates on behalf of the COS as necessary.

The COS would like to thank the community for their efforts to give the bear space and secure attractants to help keep wildlife wild.

Conservation Officers continue to monitor bear activity in Whistler and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety. Bear conflicts can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.