Grizzlies are becoming increasingly common in the Sayward area as the big bears have been island-hopping from the mainland in search of new territory and food.
The grizzly bear spotted near Sayward this week is likely one of the two cubs that arrived with its mother last spring, says a director for the Strathcona Regional District.
Gerald Whalley said he watched the young grizzly pass close to his home on the Salmon River on Monday as it headed toward the estuary.
“It’s impossible to tell for sure, but it’s the right age and the mother would have disassociated herself from them,” Whalley said.
The Village of Sayward issued a warning after a grizzly was sighted within municipal limits on Monday, asking residents to use “extreme caution” in daily routines and secure any attractants like garbage. It is asking people to carry bear spray and know how to use it, keep a close eye on pets and children and stay alert.
Grizzlies are becoming increasingly common in the area as the big bruins have been island-hopping from the mainland in search of new territory and food.
A mother grizzly and two cubs were spotted near Sayward in 2024, leading some to believe that the large carnivores could be establishing more permanent roots on the Island.
The crossings in Johnstone Strait between Vancouver Island and the mainland range from three to 4.5 kilometres, and many animals do it by island hopping. Some of the closest island landings are around Sayward.
In June 2020, there were reports of as many as seven grizzlies in the area, including a 225-kilogram male that was seen grazing across the road from the Sayward school and swimming in a pond in the village.
Whalley, the representative of Kyuquot, Nootka and Sayward on the Strathcona Regional District board, said there could be several grizzlies on the North Island at any given time.