Third time’s the charm, or so Squamish conservation officers hope.
This week, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations was forced to close Anderson Beach Recreation Site, just north of Squamish, when the now-infamous grizzly bear was spotted at the campsite. Two weeks earlier, the 550-pound, male bear was relocated for a second time after returning to its initial location of interest – the Squamish Landfill.
“He is a very lucky bear,” Squamish WildSafe BC co-ordinator Meg Toom said.
While the grizzly bear was tranquilized, a biologist removed one of its teeth to determine the bear’s age and health. The examination proved the grizzly predominantly eats natural food, which is one of the reasons officials decided to relocate the creature for a third time, Toom said.
“He was airlifted out by helicopter,”
she said.
Conservation officers estimate the bear is between eight and 10 years of age. The grizzly was fitted with a radio collar. It is a healthy bear, Toom said.
Anderson Beach Recreation Site has been closed since Aug. 2. This was prompted after several encounters with bears, which were attracted by the presence of human food and garbage.
The sightings included numerous reports of black bears. A black bear did enter a tent looking for food, Toom said, noting there was also a report that the grizzly pawed a tent while sniffing out a snack.
It is critical the recreation site is free of human attractants for a period of time or the bears will start to permanently associate the site with food, conservation officers noted. “Unfortunately, even short visits are potentially dangerous and will ultimately encourage the bears to stay in the area,” stated a Ministry of Forests press release.
Signs have been posted in the area reminding people of the closure. The site will remain closed until recreation officers have confirmed the bears have moved along.
Levette Lake, which was closed earlier this month, has reopened and now includes bear caches to help keep food secure. Regular flooding at Anderson Beach precludes the use of bear caches.
