Bear Sighting
- kc dyer
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
Young bear spotted by hikers in Deeks Lake area
(Editor's Note: Since this story was posted, it has come to light that the bear may have been misidentified, and may instead be a cinnamon-coloured black bear.)
A number of hikers have reported spotting a light brown grizzly bear near Deeks Lake, about three kilometres north east of Tunnel Bluffs, in the past week.
According to Lions Bay Search and Rescue (LBSAR) member Maria Masiar, the bear is believed to be a young male, approximately six to eight years old.
Sightings of grizzlies in this area are rare, and it's not known why the bear has made his way down this way. Masiar notes that wildfires contribute to wildlife movement, but it's not clear if that is the case here.
The Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative says that approximately 46 grizzlies are known to be living in the Squamish-Lillooet region.
Hiker Aleksander Savin spotted and videoed the bear earlier in the week. Savin says he's familiar with the area, has hiked Howe Sound, Squamish, Whistler and Vancouver Island, and has had a number of wildlife encounters in the past.. He was hiking with a friend when they encountered the bear.
"We were a bit surprised, since we didn't expect to see a grizzly that far south," Savin told The Watershed. "We had a bear spray ready, kept our distance, and admired the friendly bear doing it's own thing."
"That's exactly the behaviour we want to preserve," says Masiar. "Give him space. Never approach a bear, even for a photograph or video. If you encounter him, remain calm, speak calmly, slowly create distance and do not run. Don't yell at, chase or haze him."
She notes that if you spot a bear moving through the landscape, back away and give it the opportunity to go on its way.
While the sightings have mostly been in the Deeks Lake area, Masiar notes that bears can travel significant distances, and this bear could be anywhere in the Lions Bay backcountry. She encourages all hikers and campers throughout the area to be bear aware. This includes carrying and knowing how to use bear spray, which should be kept immediately accessible, and not buried deep inside a pack.
For those hiking with dogs, Masiar recommends that they be kept leashed, as an off-leash dog can approach or provoke a bear and then bring the encounter back to its owner. "Consider whether bringing your dog into an area with known bear activity is necessary."
LBSAR also reminds hikers to manage their attractants. When camping, it's important to secure all food, garbage and scented items away from the sleeping area, and to use bear-resistant storage containers.
Bears should never be fed, intentionally or accidentally.
"It was only a matter of time before grizzlies moved into our area in search of habitat or territory," says Lions Bay Bear Smart member Penny Nelson, noting that the possibility was mentioned at a Bear Smart presentation in 2024 by the visiting bear behaviour expert.
"Given the rapid loss of suitable habitat due to wildfires and development it really is sad commentary on how grizzlies, like black bears, are struggling to find space to simply live their lives."
"This sighting should be a reminder of the importance of following Bear Smart principles to avoid attracting bears," she added.
"There has in fact been an uptick in bear activity in the Village and the Lower Mainland over the past week or so and residents should keep doors and windows closed unless they are close by and keep garbage and food waste out of reach of wildlife to keep bears and residents safe."
"Seeing a grizzly in this landscape is a rare privilege," notes Masiar, adding the best outcome is that the bear moves through the area naturally, without becoming habituated to people or human food.
"Enjoy his presence from a distance. Give him space. Protect your food. Keep your dog controlled. And let a wild bear remain a wild bear. Coexistence starts with respect — for the animal, its space and the landscape we share."
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Yes, thank you Karen for correcting this--- this isn't in Lions Bay this was a story forwarded by LB Search and Rescue. This sighting has also not been confirmed as a Grizzly Bear. Bear experts are saying this is a Cinnamon Black bear (no prominent hump, snout is too small, ears are the wrong shape and frontal skull not wide enough- more black bear in appearance.) the Bear hysteria needs to stop. Accurate reporting and education is necessary- so thank you.
Thank you for looking into this situation that was on the news indicating the young grizzly was “in Lions Bay”. The clarity of your article is greatly appreciated. Thanks to the contributors of the info.