Two individuals from Texada Island have been found guilty for neglecting to report the killing of a grizzly bear in July 2025, as per the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS). Kody Bevan and Seneca Antony were each fined $3,000 following charges brought against them in September for the incident that occurred in the previous July. The killing of the grizzly bear came after weeks of debate among Texada Island residents, who were split on whether the bear, which had been relocated multiple times, should be euthanized or left undisturbed.
Local First Nations had devised a plan to relocate the bear, but it was shot dead before the plan could be executed by the province. Bevan and Antony, who admitted to failing to promptly report the incident, were sentenced on Thursday. The COS mentioned that $4,000 from the fines would be contributed to the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and the charges did not specify who was responsible for the bear’s death.
The bear, nicknamed “Tex” by the residents of Texada Island, had caused controversy due to its previous movements and encounters with locals. After being relocated twice before, the grizzly made its way back to Texada Island, where it met its unfortunate end. Prior to its demise, the bear had exhibited troubling behavior, including stalking residents and livestock on multiple occasions.
The bear’s untimely death led to sorrow among the local First Nations, especially after the revelation of the relocation plan. Authorities revealed that misinformation and social media had exacerbated the situation surrounding the bear, which was intended to be relocated to a secluded area to live among other coastal grizzlies and prevent its return.