A grizzly bear that was captured and relocated from a Whistler neighbourhood last week is back, hours before hundreds of trick-or-treaters are set to descend on the area.
A spokesperson for B.C.’s environment ministry said in an email that the grizzly was moved to a “wilderness location” on Friday, Oct. 27 from the area of Tapley’s Farm, which has been home to Whistler’s annual Halloween festivities for the past 40 years. The ministry statement was also shared through the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) channels.
Conservation officers have attended the area after receiving reports of the bear Tuesday morning, Oct. 31, the spokesperson said. “While we hoped the bear would stay away, relocation is not always successful,” the statement went on. “The bear is grazing on natural food sources and has not exhibited any aggressive or conflict behaviour.”
Tapley’s Halloween co-organizer Shuana Hardy, who did not immediately return a request for comment by press time, told Pique last week that more than 1,000 people are expected to attend the neighourhood this evening for trick-or-treating and fireworks on the lower field of Myrtle Philip Community School.
“We recognize Halloween festivities are taking place tonight and understand this may cause concern to residents,” the ministry statement continued. “Conservation Officers are working closely with our municipal and police partners to ensure they have the latest updates. Public safety is the priority of the COS and our partners.”
The area is not being recommended for closure at this point, the spokesperson said, but conservation officers will be present during the event “to provide increased monitoring, public awareness and education.” The Conservation Officer Service is also liaising with wildlife biologists from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship as monitoring and assessment of the grizzly continues.
“We ask the public to be patient, continue to give the bear space and secure all attractants to help prevent conflicts. Grizzly bears will be denning soon,” the statement concluded. “Conservation Officers would like to thank the community for their continued co-operation and understanding.”
Tapley’s will be closed to traffic starting at 4 p.m., before the trick-or-treating begins at 5:30 p.m., running until 8 p.m. Fireworks and free hot chocolate are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Myrtle Philip Community School, where limited parking is available.
As in years past, the “Park and Spook Shuttle” will run from Marketplace to Tapley’s Farm, with the first bus leaving from the village at 5:07 p.m., and the last shuttle departing from Tapley’s at 8:25 p.m. Parking in the Marketplace lot will be free from 5 to 9 p.m.
