We have an unusual visitor in the Lions Bay backcountry: it looks like a grizzly bear.
Multiple sightings have been confirmed through photographs and video, with the bear spotted near Deeks Lake a few days ago. He is believed to be a young male, approximately 6–8 years old.
But Deeks Lake is not necessarily where he is now. Bears can travel significant distances, and this bear could be anywhere in the Lions Bay backcountry. Hikers and campers throughout the area should be bear aware — including anyone camping at Magnesia Meadows on the Howe Sound Crest Trail.
Grizzlies in the Lions Bay area are rare, and we don't know why this bear has travelled here. Wildfires can contribute to wildlife displacement and movement, but we cannot say that is what brought this particular bear into the area.
The good news is that over the weekend, he appeared calm and was not bothering or approaching hikers. That's exactly the behaviour we want to preserve.
His presence doesn't need to be a source of fear. It does require respect, space and responsible behaviour from us.
🐻 Give him space. Never approach a bear, even for a photograph or video. If you encounter him, remain calm, speak calmly, slowly create distance and do not run.
🐻 Don't yell at, chase or haze him. If he's simply moving through the landscape and isn't creating an immediate threat, give him the opportunity to continue on his way.
🐻 Carry bear spray — and know how to use it. Keep it immediately accessible, not buried in your pack.
🐻 Manage your attractants. If you're camping, use appropriate bear-resistant food storage and secure all food, garbage and scented items away from your sleeping area. Never feed a bear, intentionally or accidentally.
🐻 Keep your dog leashed. An off-leash dog can approach or provoke a bear and then bring the encounter back to its owner. Consider whether bringing your dog into an area with known bear activity is necessary.
🐻 Please don't broadcast the bear's precise location. Give him some privacy. We don't want people seeking him out for photographs or a closer look.
There is also believed to be a cinnamon-coloured black bear in the area. Remember that colour alone does not identify the species — black bears can be black, brown, cinnamon or blonde.
Seeing a grizzly in this landscape is a rare privilege. The best outcome is that this young bear is allowed to move through the area naturally, without becoming habituated to people or human food.
Enjoy his presence from a distance. Give him space. Protect your food. Keep your dog controlled. And let a wild bear remain a wild bear.
Coexistence starts with respect — for the animal, its space and the landscape we share.
Heading outdoors? Start with @bcadvsmart
https://old.adventuresmart.ca/tripplanning/bearsafety.htm