Bear shot after charging children near Castlegar playground
Published 4:08 pm Thursday, October 22, 2026
A bear was shot in downtown Castlegar after acting aggressively near a school playground.
According to an RCMP statement, Castlegar police received a report of the aggressive bear on Oct. 19 around 4:30 p.m.
The caller reported that the collared bear had charged two young children and an adult male.
Typically, a collared bear refers to a bear that has been fitted with a radio or GPS tracking collar by wildlife researchers or conservation officers. The collar allows the bear’s movements, habitat use, and behaviour to be monitored, according to the RCMP.
Officers responded to the area and located the bear. Upon police arrival, the bear initially ran toward the responding police vehicle before moving through the neighbourhood.
Officers monitored and followed the animal to a residential property in the 700 block of 5th Avenue, where it was observed feeding from fruit trees.
After consultation with the BC Conservation Officer Service, it was determined that the bear posed an ongoing threat to public safety and would need to be euthanized.
After the officer euthanized the animal, the BC Conservation Officer Service attended the scene and removed the carcass.
Castlegar RCMP said they recognize that incidents involving wildlife can be distressing for the community.
“Public safety was the primary consideration in this response, and the decision was made in consultation with our partners after the bear exhibited aggressive behaviour toward multiple individuals, including children,” said Staff Sgt. Monty Taylor.