A yearling grizzly bear has been killed by conservation officers in the Nelson area.
The bear had an injured leg and was euthanized Wednesday after the B.C. Conservation Officer Service determined its age, injury and conflict history made it unsuitable for rehabilitation or relocation.
The service said in a statement the decision followed consultation with the provincial wildlife veterinarian and wildlife biologists with the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.
Seven grizzly bears are currently in the Nelson area, including two groups made up of a sow and three yearlings and a sow and two yearlings.
The Conservation Officer Service said trapping efforts are underway, with any captured bears to be assessed to determine what happens next.
A provincial wildlife biologist is also on site in Nelson, working with the Conservation Officer Service and the province’s large carnivore specialist.
Provincial guidelines categorize grizzly conflicts based on factors including public-safety risk, the bear’s behaviour, health and conflict history.
The guidelines identify three categories of grizzly conflict, ranging from situations where monitoring and education may be appropriate to those involving a serious threat to public safety.
Euthanasia is identified as a response for bears in the most serious category, while the guidelines also list non-lethal measures including hazing, attractant management, trapping and relocation as possible responses depending on the circumstances.
The Conservation Officer Service has not provided further details about the specific conflicts involving the euthanized bear or said what conflict category it was placed in. It also said it’s aware of multiple reports of bear conflicts in the area.
“It is always unfortunate if an injured, sick or conflict bear needs to be safely and humanely put down. These decisions are not made lightly,” said the service.
Provincial statistics show B.C. Conservation Officers euthanized three grizzly bears in 2025 and had euthanized two more in the first six months of 2026, before Wednesday’s incident.
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