While officials hoped a grizzly bear hanging around the lower soccer fields at Myrtle Philip Community School the past week would move on, "it has stayed in the community," the Resort Municipality of Whistler said in an update on Oct. 24.
As such, the BC Conservation Officer Service will attempt to relocate the grizzly.
"Conservation Officers have been closely monitoring the grizzly, which has not exhibited any aggressive or conflict behaviour and is feeding on natural foods. However, despite their best efforts to give the bear space in the hope that it moves on from the area, it has stayed in the community," the RMOW said in an update on Oct. 24.
"COS do not want the grizzly bear to become too comfortable in busy urban settings. Conservation Officers, in consultation with Ministry of Forests wildlife biologists, will try to safely capture the grizzly bear and if successful, relocate it to a wilderness setting outside of [municipal boundaries]. The bear will also be tagged and collared so its movements can be monitored."
Conservation Officers set a bear trap in the area, which remains closed to the public, on Oct. 24. Additional signage will also be installed.
"The COS would like to thank the community for their efforts to give the bear space and secure attractants to help keep wildlife wild," the RMOW said.
Conservation Officers continue to monitor bear activity in Whistler and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety. Bear conflicts can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
Check back with Pique for more as this story develops...
