Smithers conservation officers are still looking for information about a grizzly bear that was seen earlier this week with a broken-off arrow in its head.

As of Friday morning, the bear has still not been located, but attempts have been made by the COS.

A photo of the bear with the arrow injury, was recently taken by a passing motorist and sent to the Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) in Smithers. The picture was taken along Hwy. 37 North, just north of the Meziadin junction.

鈥淭he area is remote and locating the animal could prove to be quite difficult. We have received no tips from the public as of yet,鈥� said Sergeant Matthew Corbett.

He added it is difficult to tell from the photo what type of arrow it is.

鈥淭he area appears to be broken off with only a small section still protruding. Our best guess is a modern arrow from a compound bow or possibly a crossbow bolt. Without examining it in person it would be nearly impossible to discern any details,鈥� he added.

The BCCOS is investigating. Anyone with any information about this incident, is asked to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

Grizzly hunting has been banned in B.C. since 2017. Although widely supported, the ban remains controversial in some circles.

For example, in 2020, the Tahltan Nation started paying its members to harvest grizzlies on the nation鈥檚 traditional territory as a predator-control program citing crashing ungulate (i.e., moose) populations.

Also, guides and outfitters, who used to rely on the grizzly trophy hunt as a significant part of their business, were in court in May seeking certification of a class-action lawsuit against the provincial government to bring the hunt back claiming the ban was political and not based on sound wildlife management principles.

editor@interior-news.com
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