A recent grizzly bear sighting near Myrtle Philip Community School and Nicklaus North Golf Course prompted staff to initiate a hold-and-secure protocol May 26 and modify outdoor activity plans as conservation officers monitor escalating bear activity across Whistler.
“We became aware, conservation contacted us and let us know we had the grizzly sighting,” said Brianne Aldcroft, principal at Myrtle Philip. “In the meantime, we called for a hold and secure, an indoor recess so people didn’t go outside, or do PE outside, until we knew from conservation what was what.”
While the grizzly bear was behaving normally and steering clear of humans, Aldcroft said the school took additional precautions. “We’re leaving doors ajar so kids can get in if they need to,” she said May 27, adding that staff are keeping students away from forested areas like Helicopter Park and the lower field. “We don’t want kids in the forest anyway because of shenanigans.”
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) confirmed it is monitoring bear activity and could not verify whether the grizzly is the same one that has been seen in Whistler in recent years.
“The COS has not received any new sightings of a grizzly bear in Whistler,” stated a COS spokesperson. “COs are continuing to monitor bear activity in the community and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety.”
The COS emphasized preventative measures including securing garbage and leashing pets, with more resources available at WildSafeBC.com.
While the grizzly’s presence has raised concern, officers say a local black bear sow and her three yearlings have been at the centre of more pressing safety issues.
“There have been no reports of aggressive or conflict behaviour,” COS said of the sow. “We continue to ask the public to give the bears space and an opportunity to move on.”
However, multiple community members have reported people stopping their vehicles on Highway 99 and approaching the bears to take photos as reported by Alanna Kelly for Pique Newsmagazine.
“Conservation Officers attended and removed the vehicles and people from the area,” stated the COS. “The trail was temporarily closed for wildlife and public safety reasons.”
Emily McCosh, a local resident, witnessed one such incident and captured video of it. “Stopped so suddenly on the highway and just pulled over and got out of their cars right next to where the bears were,” she said. “Bears are not tourist attractions. Why are you stopping? There’s clearly cubs and a mum bear.”
Aldcroft said the COS has provided education support to the school and was on site earlier this week. “They would try to be on scene unless there was something else,” she said. “
Meanwhile, Nicklaus North Golf Course has been another hotspot for bear activity. Five holes were temporarily closed May 26 after a grizzly was spotted near the western edge of the course.
“We’ve definitely been impacted,” said general manager Gavin Eckford. “Not everyone wants to play a 13-hole golf course. We’ve had to cancel some tee times and offer discounted rates.”
The COS responded to the scene Sunday evening and again Monday morning.
Bear sightings have been a focus in Whistler, with tensions rising earlier this month after a sow was killed by the COS. Her three cubs were orphaned and remain missing.
For emergencies involving wildlife, the public is asked to call 911. Non-urgent bear sightings should be reported to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
