Tex, a four-year-old grizzly bear that swam to Texada Island, British Columbia, was shot and killed without authorization this week, despite ongoing efforts by First Nations communities to relocate him. Provincial officials had deemed Tex a danger, but Indigenous groups, including Shíshálh, Tla’amin, Homalco, and Mamalilikulla First Nations, had offered a peaceful solution. The incident has sparked frustration among First Nations and advocates, highlighting concerns about government slowness in working with Indigenous communities on environmental stewardship and wildlife management.
Shooting of bear that swam to tiny Canadian island frustrates First Nations
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AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Tex, a four-year-old grizzly bear that swam to Texada Island, British Columbia, was shot and killed without authorization this week, despite ongoing efforts by First Nations communities to relocate him. Provincial officials had deemed Tex a danger, but Indigenous groups, including Shíshálh, Tla’amin, Homalco, and Mamalilikulla First Nations, had offered a peaceful solution. The incident has sparked frustration among First Nations and advocates, highlighting concerns about government slowness in working with Indigenous communities on environmental stewardship and wildlife management.
Trending- 1 May 25: Texada Island landfall of grizzly bear Tex
- 2 Weeks ago: Local First Nations communities offered to rehome the bear
- 3 June: Several First Nations communities offered a strategy to relocate the bear
- 4 End of June: CBC reported First Nations were still waiting for government officials to back their removal plan
- 5 This week (Tuesday): Tex was shot and killed on Texada Island
- 6 Tuesday: Province’s conservation officer service said it was investigating the death
- 7 Wednesday: Mamalilikulla First Nation chief expressed devastation and anger
- Death of grizzly bear Tex
- Frustration and anger among First Nations communities and wildlife advocates
- Calls for the British Columbia government to act faster and better consult with First Nations on environmental stewardship
- Investigation launched into the bear's death
What: A grizzly bear nicknamed Tex was shot and killed on Texada Island, despite First Nations' efforts to relocate him.
When: This week (bear killed); Tuesday (bear shot, province investigating); May 25 (bear's landfall on Texada Island); weeks ago (local First Nations offered to rehome); last month (biologist wrote to province); end of June (CBC reported First Nations waiting for government officials); 2019 (BC passed legislation); article published July 17, 2025.
Where: Texada Island, off the west coast of British Columbia, Canada; Homalco territory (proposed relocation site).
Why: Provincial officials deemed the bear a danger to residents, citing previous stalking incidents, while First Nations and advocates believed it was a young, exploring bear and sought a humane relocation. The shooting occurred without authorization, frustrating those who had a relocation plan underway.
How: The bear was shot and killed by an unauthorized individual. Provincial authorities are investigating the death. First Nations had proposed a coordinated relocation effort.