Conservation Officer Service says fruit trees are the main attractant for a grizzly bear that was seen in Paradise Valley.
“We can confirm the Grizzly bear sighting,” said a Ministry of Environment spokesperson. “Fruit trees are the main attractant.”
According to an area resident, the grizzly bear was seen near Jack Webster Bridge, and the Conservation Officer Service assessed the damage caused by the bear. The COS are of the view it’s an older male grizzly that is trying to establish new territory, adding that the grizzly population is growing in the area with a possibility of more sightings in the future.
In 2020, Conservation Officer Service safely relocated a grizzly bear that was seen in Brackendale as well as Garibaldi Estates and Paradise Valley. The Upper Squamish Valley is home to a population of approximately 59 grizzly bears, and future sightings can be expected as population thrives.
“As the Squamish Valley grizzly bear population rebounds, we can expect to have more grizzly bear sightings in our community,” Conservation Officer Service Sergeant Simon Gravel told media in 2020.
“It cannot be stressed enough that residents must manage their wildlife attractants. We must prevent the creation of human habituated and non-natural food conditioned grizzly and black bears. Please be mindful and do everything you can to ensure you are not attracting wildlife into your neighbourhood.”
