Two individuals from Texada Island have recently been found guilty of failing to report the killing of a grizzly bear in July 2025. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) announced that Kody Bevan and Seneca Antony have each been fined $3,000. Charges were brought against them in September following the incident in July, which had sparked controversy among Texada Island residents regarding the fate of the bear.
The bear, known as “Tex” by locals, had been the center of debate as it had been relocated twice before after causing disturbances near schools and downtown areas in Gibsons and Sechelt. Despite efforts to relocate the bear once again, it was tragically shot dead before the plan could be executed. Bevan and Antony, who admitted guilt in the case, were sentenced on Thursday for their failure to promptly report the bear’s killing or injury.
A portion of the fines, totaling $4,000, will be donated to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Notably, the charges do not specify who was responsible for killing the bear. The incident had deeply affected local First Nations, particularly after details emerged about the planned relocation effort that was thwarted by the bear’s untimely death.
Before its demise, the bear had exhibited concerning behavior, including stalking residents and livestock. Its death led to sorrow among the community, especially as plans were in motion to give the bear a chance to live peacefully in a remote area with other grizzlies. Authorities emphasized that misinformation on social media had exacerbated the situation surrounding the bear’s fate.
Residents of Texada Island, situated about 100 kilometers northwest of Vancouver and home to approximately 1,000 people, were unaccustomed to having such large predators in their midst. Despite previous relocation attempts, the bear persisted in returning to the area until its final settlement on Texada Island.
Overall, the tragic end of the grizzly bear named “Tex” on Texada Island serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding wildlife management and human-wildlife interactions.