Rogue Group of Canadians Fighting to Relocate a Problem Grizzly Without Government Consent

Marked with a yellow ear tag, a large male grizzly bear has captured the attention of the local residents on a small island wedged between British Columbia’s mainland and Vancouver Island. The bear, nicknamed “Tex,” is believed to have arrived under his own power, likely swimming from the mainland’s Powell River area to Texada Island, late last month and has since caused quite a stir for the quiet and remote community.

The bear was spotted last weekend roaming around Shehtekwahn Bay and even wandering into a backyard, but the bear, who has been relocated in two previous instances, has yet to show any signs of aggression. Despite his calm demeanor, his presence has residents feeling a bit uneasy, prompting calls to secure garbage, keep pets close, and report sightings to authorities. 

In addition to the calls for security, a small group has since launched a grassroots operation in an attempt to privately relocate the bear. Headed up by residents Katrin Glenn-Bittner, her partner Kelly Hughes, and her brother David Bittner—a biologist and bear researcher from Switzerland—they have since launched a private initiative, forgoing the blessing of local governments.

“When I first heard about Tex, I didn’t panic. I took simple precautions — securing garbage, making sure no pet food was left outside, and adjusting my routines,” Texada resident Katrin Glenn-Bittner said on Facebook. “Living with wildlife is nothing new here in Canada, yet to Texada, who has been mostly predator-free, we need to be proactive now, and in the future.”

Together, organizers and community members are aiming to raise between $20,000 and $30,000 to fund tranquilizing, GPS-collaring, and airlifting Tex to a suitable wilderness area. With support from donors in Switzerland and plans for a "Tex the Bear" Facebook page, they argued that caring for individual animals like Tex is crucial for species conservation, especially given his non-aggressive behavior and lack of serious conflict on the island.

The British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Parks and the Conservation Officer Service have not endorsed the relocation plan. Citing Tex’s “conflict history,” officials referenced BC’s Human Wildlife Conflict Response Guidelines, which flag bears as potential threats if they’ve damaged property, attacked pets or livestock, or shown aggression toward people. This stance raises the specter of lethal removal, clashing with the community’s hopes to give Tex a second chance in the wild.

"This plan is not sanctioned by the COS (Conservation Officer Service) or the province,” said a government spokesperson. "Due to recent conflict history, the grizzly bear poses a serious threat to public safety and Human-Wildlife Conflict Response Guidelines will be followed.” 

Despite the stern warning from BC officials, the relocation group is continuing to consult wildlife experts from overseas and the University of Victoria, and working diligently to secure funding and logistics. In a race against both time and intervening authorities, the group has stated that they are remaining steadfast in their goal of relocating the large bruin as soon as possible.

As of right now, Tex remains at large on Texada Island.