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.
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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.
Dispatch #1: Grizzly Bears on the Move — Texada Island | Erik Blaney
GrizzCast
17 minutes 49 seconds
4 months ago
Dispatch #1: Grizzly Bears on the Move — Texada Island | Erik Blaney
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.
GrizzCast
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.
