Screengrab from Pique News Magazine
The Fur-Bearers is saddened and distraught by the situation involving a bear, an injured woman, and three orphaned bear cubs in Whistler, British Columbia.
As reported by multiple media outlets, a woman was injured by a black bear on April 28, 2025. The black bear was killed by the BC Conservation Officer Service (BC COS) and three cubs who were earlier seen with the bear have not yet been found.
Although the woman’s injuries are not life-threatening, the incident has sparked deep sympathy for everyone involved—for the injured woman, the mother bear who was killed, and her three tiny, now extremely vulnerable cubs. A rehabilitation facility, Critter Care Wildlife Society, is ready to take the cubs, but so far, the cubs have yet to be located.
We would like to acknowledge and thank Ellie Lamb, Tina James, and everyone in Whistler who is working to help locate the orphaned cubs.
The Fur-Bearers is continuing to monitor this situation and will provide updates and advocacy opportunities as they arise.
Below is a letter we sent to Whistler’s Mayor and Council.
Dear Mayor Crompton and Council,
We were saddened to hear about the recent bear encounter in Whistler that left a woman injured. We wish her a full and speedy recovery. These kinds of incidents are frightening, and our hearts go out to her.
This is also a heartbreaking loss for the broader Whistler community. A mother black bear was killed following the incident, and her three orphaned cubs remain missing despite more than a week of volunteer efforts. Their chances of survival are now very slim, and many people—residents and visitors alike—are mourning their loss.
As bears emerge from hibernation, they seek food and space, which often brings them into closer contact with people. Black bears are not inherently dangerous—but like any mother, a bear will react defensively when startled, especially if she is protecting her young.
Whistler’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife are part of what makes it such a globally renowned destination. Tourists don’t just come for the slopes—they come for the chance to connect with nature in a place that still feels wild. To preserve this identity and reduce future encounters, we urge you to invest in strengthening your commitment to being Bear Smart, with improved signage, education, and enforcement. Residents and visitors alike need clear, consistent messaging: leash dogs, stay alert, avoid wearing headphones while walking, and secure garbage and other attractants—particularly during the spring and fall months.
These are small, practical steps, but they can prevent unnecessary suffering for both people and wildlife. Bears shouldn’t die simply for being wild, and people shouldn’t be hurt because our communities failed to prepare.
Let’s learn from this incident and take proactive steps to ensure Whistler remains a place where both humans and animals can safely coexist.
Thank you for your consideration and attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
Lesley Fox
Executive Director
The Fur-Bearers
