‘The new normal’: conflicts with grizzly bears will likely keep increasing, says B.C. Wildlife Federation

Several recent attacks by grizzly bears — including Thursday’s vicious encounter that injured 11 students and teachers near Bella Coola — are a reminder that conflicts between the animals and humans are increasing, the B.C. Wildlife Federation says.

The federation says grizzly-human conflicts have risen dramatically ever since the grizzly hunt was terminated in B.C. in 2017 “due to popular opinion, with no scientific rationale.”

“In the 10 years preceding the ban, calls to the Conservation Officer Service [BCCOS] concerning grizzly conflicts ranged from 300 to 500 a year, peaking between April and November. Since the ban, calls about grizzly bears doubled, to nearly 1,000 a year,” BC Wildlife said.

Also read: • Students flee as grizzly attacks elementary class in Bella Coola, injuring