Show Notes
Welcome to GrizzCast Dispatches — short-format, real-time episodes on urgent grizzly bear conservation stories.
In our first Dispatch series, host Nicholas Scapillati investigates the remarkable journey of Tex — a young male grizzly bear who swam across the Salish Sea and arrived on Texada Island. His presence has sparked debate, concern, and Indigenous-led calls for a new model of coexistence.
Our second speaker is world-renowned bear biologist, independent research scientist, and human-bear conflict expert Dr. Lana Ciarniello. Drawing on her deep knowledge of grizzly bear biology and behaviour, we explore why grizzlies are on the move, the difference between relocation and translocation, and practical advice for Texada Island residents on how to live safely with grizzly bears.
This is the second of many timely updates you’ll hear between our deep-dive feature episodes.
Subscribe to GrizzCast: Season 2 officially launches later this summer and more Dispatches are on the way — including behind-the-scenes updates, interviews with Conservation Officers, and what's next for Tex. Don’t miss out.
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Welcome to GrizzCast Dispatches — short-format, real-time episodes on urgent grizzly bear conservation stories.
Introducing GrizzCast Dispatches, a timely new series from the Grizzly Bear Foundation sharing real-time updates and powerful conversations about grizzly bear conservation, Indigenous leadership, and the changing landscapes we all share. In this first episode, we follow the developing story of “Tex,” a young male grizzly bear who made headlines after swimming to Texada Island, British Columbia. His journey has sparked complex discussions around coexistence, conservation, and what it truly means to protect wildlife in an era of climate change and reconciliation. Tiy’ap thote – Erik Blaney of the Tla’amin Nation and the shishalh Nation’s resource stewardship team — joins us to explore how Indigenous leadership is helping shape Tex’s future. From policy to culture, and traditional ecological knowledge to modern translocation planning, this is a story of hope, self-determination, and action. Episode Highlights: Tex’s journey from the Sunshine Coast to Texada Island What his presence reveals about habitat connectivity and climate impacts Indigenous-led efforts to give Tex another chance at life in the wild How the Grizzly Bear Foundation and collaborators are supporting coexistence strategies Why this moment matters for the future of conservation in B.C. Why Now? Grizzly bears are expanding into new areas, including islands off the B.C. coast — raising urgent questions about how we live alongside them. As part of Grizzly Bear Foundation's ongoing work with the “New Approach to Living with Bears in B.C.” initiative, we’re working with First Nations, biologists, policymakers, and the public to explore better outcomes for bears like Tex — and for the people who share their home. Learn more: https://grizzcast.grizzlybearfoundation.com Subscribe to GrizzCast: More Dispatches are on the way — including behind-the-scenes updates, interviews with Conservation Officers and scientists, and what's next for Tex. Don’t miss out.
Near Grizzly Bear Foundation headquarters on the Pacific coast of British Columbia, we connect with veterinarian, former Zoo Director, and scientist Ken Macquisten. Nicholas and Ken meld the past with the present in a “through the lens” approach to wildlife conservation. With a shared hope for flourishing biodiversity, the two acknowledge controversy in the battle to protect the iconic grizzly bear. Listen in for creative ideas to help build a healthy future alongside grizzlies and hear special stories about unique characteristics learned from the bears at Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge and Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife.