Target: Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks for British Columbia
Goal: Promote wildlife conservation by allowing relocation of bear on Texada Island.
A bear who traversed a long journey in Canada has become a flashpoint of controversy on British Columbia’s Texada Island. The bear, nicknamed Tex, swam roughly three miles from the mainland to take up residence on the island. His presence has ignited debate among locals and put his life in danger.
Prior to his trek, Tex began roaming areas inhabited by humans, which led to fears of a future encounter that would result in either harm to a person or harm to Tex himself. Those fears traveled with Tex to the island, with conservation officers already warning they would use deadly force if Tex became a problem. Worries persist that a local resident might take extreme action as well. The concern has led to calls for Tex to either be euthanized or relocated. While relocation would be in the best interests of the bear and preserve his life, thus far multiple offers – including one from an indigenous tribe – to help relocate Tex have been rejected.
Sign the petition below to urge leaders to rethink a decision that could save this bear’s life.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Davidson,
Tex the bear is a conservation success story, as he represents a promising resurgence of once at-risk grizzly bear populations. Fear and uncertainty should not steal his life away. This bear is acting just as any other young bear in his position would. If this behavior concerns people in his vicinity, then he should be relocated, not killed.
The Mamalilikulla First Nation has a successful track record of relocating bears like Tex. Give them the opportunity to continue this success. Okay the proposal to relocate Tex to the Gwaxdlala/Nalaxdlala Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Jean Beaufort
