Traps set for unwanted guest grizzlies off northeastern Vancouver Island
ALERT BAY, B.C. — Grizzly bears have never been seen on Cormorant Island, off the northeast coast of Vancouver Island, so when two showed up in the area, residents were intrigued but firm — the duo must go.
“It’s very exciting to have them here, but this isn’t a safe place for them,” said Village of Alert Bay chief administration officer Justin Beadle.
About 1,000 people live on the 4.5-square kilometre island, and Beadle said there had been no conflicts since the bruins’ arrival on Friday, adding residents had been warned not to look for the bears and to stay off walking paths.
The bears are believed to be two- to three-year-old brothers from the central coast and were likely forced westward by a dominant male, Forests Ministry spokeswoman Vivian Thomas said Monday.