Welcome to GrizzCast Dispatches — short-format, real-time episodes on urgent grizzly bear conservation stories. In our first Dispatch series, host Nicholas Scapillati investigates the remarkable journey of Tex — a young male grizzly bear who swam across the Salish Sea and arrived on Texada Island. His presence has sparked debate, concern, and Indigenous-led calls for a new model of coexistence. In this episode, we are joined by BC Conservation Officer Sergeant Dean Miller to talk about grizzly bears returning to parts of Southwest BC, including the Sunshine Coast, and what this means for communities and conservation. We dive into on-the-ground details of Tex’s story, offering insight into the role of the Conservation Officer Service, how decisions like relocations are made, and the importance of public awareness, shared responsibilities, and partnerships — including with the shíshálh Nation — as people adapt to living with grizzlies returning to new and old ground.

Welcome to GrizzCast Dispatches — short-format, real-time episodes on urgent grizzly bear conservation stories. In our first Dispatch series, host Nicholas Scapillati investigates the remarkable journey of Tex — a young male grizzly bear who swam across the Salish Sea and arrived on Texada Island. His presence has sparked debate, concern, and Indigenous-led calls for a new model of coexistence. Our second speaker is world-renowned bear biologist, independent research scientist, and human-bear conflict expert Dr. Lana Ciarniello. Drawing on her deep knowledge of grizzly bear biology and behaviour, we explore why grizzlies are on the move, the difference between relocation and translocation, and practical advice for Texada Island residents on how to live safely with grizzly bears. This is the second of many timely updates you’ll hear between our deep-dive feature episodes. Subscribe to GrizzCast: Season 2 officially launches later this summer and more Dispatches are on the way — including behind-the-scenes updates, interviews with Conservation Officers, and what's next for Tex. Don’t miss out.

Introducing GrizzCast Dispatches, a timely new series from the Grizzly Bear Foundation sharing real-time updates and powerful conversations about grizzly bear conservation, Indigenous leadership, and the changing landscapes we all share. In this first episode, we follow the developing story of “Tex,” a young male grizzly bear who made headlines after swimming to Texada Island, British Columbia. His journey has sparked complex discussions around coexistence, conservation, and what it truly means to protect wildlife in an era of climate change and reconciliation. Tiy’ap thote – Erik Blaney of the Tla’amin Nation and the shishalh Nation’s resource stewardship team — joins us to explore how Indigenous leadership is helping shape Tex’s future. From policy to culture, and traditional ecological knowledge to modern translocation planning, this is a story of hope, self-determination, and action. Episode Highlights: Tex’s journey from the Sunshine Coast to Texada Island What his presence reveals about habitat connectivity and climate impacts Indigenous-led efforts to give Tex another chance at life in the wild How the Grizzly Bear Foundation and collaborators are supporting coexistence strategies Why this moment matters for the future of conservation in B.C. Why Now? Grizzly bears are expanding into new areas, including islands off the B.C. coast — raising urgent questions about how we live alongside them. As part of Grizzly Bear Foundation's ongoing work with the “New Approach to Living with Bears in B.C.” initiative, we’re working with First Nations, biologists, policymakers, and the public to explore better outcomes for bears like Tex — and for the people who share their home. Learn more: https://grizzcast.grizzlybearfoundation.com Subscribe to GrizzCast: More Dispatches are on the way — including behind-the-scenes updates, interviews with Conservation Officers and scientists, and what's next for Tex. Don’t miss out.

Near Grizzly Bear Foundation headquarters on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, we connect with veterinarian, former Zoo Director, and scientist Ken Macquisten. Nicholas and Ken meld the past with the present in a “through the lens” approach to wildlife conservation. With a shared hope for flourishing biodiversity, the two acknowledge controversy in the battle to protect the iconic grizzly bear. Listen in for creative ideas to help build a healthy future alongside grizzlies and hear special stories about unique characteristics learned from the bears at Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge and Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.

The GrizzCast series returns in 2021 to help save grizzly bears. Join us as we adventure into an ancient temperate old-growth forest with Julius Strauss, a former war correspondent, wilderness guide and activist. In a new world where grizzly bears are no longer hunted for their hide, paws, teeth or head, we discuss a monumental policy that could be overturned at any time. A new way of life that has emerged in the last few years for both bears and humans weave throughout the conversation, as hunters, fishers and foragers find a common ground.

This is a story of a young grizzly bear during COVID-19 in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia’s largest marine park. During one of the most impactful global events in recent history, a physically-distanced world saw a joint effort by First Nations, the Grizzly Bear Foundation and the provincial government to save a wayward male grizzly: Mali. Mike Willie of the Kwikwasutinuxw/Haxwa’mis First Nation and owner/lead guide of Sea Wolf Adventures considers how Indigenous governance can lead to more effective conservation and help strengthen our connection to each other and to the natural world.

It’s time to travel to the northern boundary of the Arctic Circle to meet with bear specialist Phil Timpany. A trophy hunting guide turned bear-viewing guide, Phil has redefined his relationship with grizzly bears, honouring their forgiveness and dedicating his life to their well-being. Dubbed the “bear whisperer of North Yukon”, Phil shares how his work as a bear guide is connected to helping preserve an entire ecosystem - from the rivers and spawning salmon to Indigenous communities and beyond.

Join Grizzly Bear Foundation’s Executive Director, Nicholas Scapillati, on a journey through some of the most famous grizzly country in the world with naturalist, author and Vietnam veteran Doug Peacock. Much as the flow of the current pulls a canoe down the river, we hear how the call of the wilderness pulled this icon of conservation toward the grizzly bear, restoring the soul of a war-ravaged soldier. Now a grandfather, Doug explores the future of the grizzly and the importance of the greater Yellowstone ecosystem for these soul-saving bears.

GrizzCast is a journey of discovery of what connects us to the natural world through one of North America’s most iconic species — the grizzly bear. Podcast host and Executive Director of the Grizzly Bear Foundation, Nicholas Scapillati, explores how conservation brings us all together in a shared fight to protect wildlife and wild places through voices and stories of people working on the frontlines.