Two individuals from Texada Island have been found guilty of not reporting the shooting of a grizzly bear in July 2025, as per the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS). Kody Bevan and Seneca Antony were fined $3,000 each for their actions. The charges stemmed from an incident last September related to the killing of the grizzly bear after weeks of debate among Texada Island residents. The community was divided on whether the bear, which had been relocated twice, should be euthanized or left alone.
A plan by local First Nations to relocate the bear was in progress when it was fatally shot. Bevan and Antony were sentenced after admitting guilt to failing to promptly report the bear’s injury or death. A portion of the fines, totaling $4,000, will be contributed to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. The identities of the bear’s killers were not disclosed in the charges.
Texada Island, situated nearly 100 kilometers northwest of Vancouver, with around 1,000 residents, faced an unusual situation with the presence of the grizzly bear dubbed “Tex.” The bear had been moved twice before due to its proximity to schools and urban areas in Gibsons and Sechelt. Despite efforts to relocate it, the bear returned to the area and eventually settled on Texada Island.
Before its demise, the bear had exhibited concerning behavior, including stalking residents and livestock on multiple occasions. Its killing led to grief, especially among local First Nations, who had hoped for its relocation. Misinformation and social media exacerbated tensions surrounding the bear, which officials had planned to move to a secluded area to coexist with other coastal grizzlies.