Recent increase in grizzly bear attacks around British Columbia, including a recent incident near Bella Coola that left 11 individuals injured, has raised concerns about growing conflicts between these animals and humans, according to the B.C. Wildlife Federation.
The federation highlights a significant rise in grizzly-human conflicts following the termination of the grizzly hunt in 2017, a decision made based on public opinion rather than scientific evidence. Before the ban, calls to the Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) regarding grizzly conflicts ranged from 300 to 500 annually, with a peak between April and November. Since the ban, these calls have doubled to nearly 1,000 per year.
BC Wildlife Federation executive director Jesse Zeman emphasizes that the removal of hunting pressure has led to an increase in problem grizzlies. Zeman urges the province to reinstate science-based wildlife management to address the escalating conflicts.
Recent incidents, such as attacks on hunters in Fort St. James and Fort Steele in September and an attack on hikers near Prince George in October, highlight the urgency of the situation. The BCCOS advises individuals encountering grizzlies to remain calm, speak softly, back away slowly, and use bear spray if necessary.
The B.C. Wildlife Federation warns that these incidents signal a “new normal” and reinforces the need for proactive measures to manage human-grizzly interactions effectively.