Lions Bay Search and Rescue has revised its identification of a bear seen in the Lions Bay backcountry, saying the animal it first reported as a grizzly is now believed to be a cinnamon-coloured black bear.
The group’s original notice described the bear as an unusual visitor that appeared to be a grizzly. Multiple sightings had been confirmed through photographs and video, with the animal spotted near Deeks Lake days earlier. In that first notice, the group described it as a young male, roughly six to eight years old.
That identification drew debate. Lions Bay Search and Rescue said the post prompted disagreement in the comments and among experts, and the group continued to seek further opinions. After additional reviews that included input from Conservation Officers and wildlife biologists, it said it now believes the animal is a black bear rather than a grizzly.
Grizzlies are rare in the Lions Bay area, and the group said it does not know why the bear travelled there. It noted that wildfires can contribute to wildlife displacement and movement, but said it could not confirm that was the cause in this case.
The core safety message did not change with the correction. The group urged hikers and campers throughout the backcountry to stay bear aware, including anyone camping at Magnesia Meadows on the Howe Sound Crest Trail. It said the bear could be anywhere in the area, as bears can travel long distances, and that Deeks Lake is not necessarily where the animal is now.
Over the weekend the bear appeared calm and did not approach or bother hikers, the group said, describing that as the behaviour it wants to preserve. It asked people to give the bear space and help keep it wild, saying its presence calls for respect and responsible behaviour rather than fear.
