Update: A grizzly bear spotted this morning near the Fairmont Chateau Whistler shortly before the Whistler Half Marathon was due to begin was safely captured and relocated by the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS), a spokesperson confirmed.
"The COS received numerous sightings over the last 24 hours of the bear in populated areas. No aggressive bear behaviour was reported and the bear was feeding on natural food sources. In consultation with wildlife biologists, the COS made the decision to safely tranquilize, capture and relocate the grizzly," the COS said, noting that Whistler RCMP officers also assisted with the capture.
"The healthy, 300-pound female grizzly was tagged and will be moved to a wilderness location within its home range."
More than 1,000 people took part in this year's Whistler Half Marathon, according to the race's results page. Runners were rerouted due to the grizzly.
To help prevent wildlife conflicts, the COS asks the public to ensure all attractants, such as garbage, pet food and bird seed, are securely stored. Find tips and safety information at WildSafeBC.
The COS will continue to monitor bear activity in Whistler, and reports can be made to the RAPP line, the COS said.
Check back with Pique later this week for more on this story.
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After Whistler RCMP issued a warning about a grizzly bear in Rainbow Park on Friday afternoon, the bear has yet to move on from the valley.
Runners in this morning's Whistler Half Marathon are reportedly being re-routed, as grizzly sightings are being reported near the race course on the Lost Lake trail network.
Photos show the bear on a local golf course near the race course on Saturday morning.
Police are on scene, and the public should avoid the area.
Find more info at whistler.ca/Bears or bearsmart.com/play/bear-encounters.
