Several holes at Nicklaus North Golf Course were closed May 26 after a staff member spotted a grizzly bear on the western edge of the course, prompting a response from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS).
“We’ve definitely been impacted. Not everyone wants to play a 13-hole golf course,” said Gavin Eckford, general manager at Nicklaus North. “We’ve had to cancel some tee times and offer discounted rates. It’s not ideal, but we’re working with Conservation to support the bear’s movement and keep everyone safe.”
Five holes on the far side of the course were temporarily closed, while COS officers attended the scene both Sunday evening and again Monday morning.
“They’ve been trying to determine if it’s the same grizzly that’s been in Alpine the last several years,” said Eckford, adding that sightings have typically occurred in the spring and fall.
The COS confirmed it is monitoring grizzly activity in the area. While the bear has not exhibited aggressive behaviour, its presence near a busy recreational area triggered precautionary measures to reduce risk.
"CO’s have been in communication with a nearby school and a Wildlife Safety Response Officer is also providing wildlife conflict prevention information to area residents," the COS said in an emailed statement.
Golfers with reservations are contacted directly by phone or email if closures affect their scheduled tee times, Eckford said.
Meanwhile, the COS also responded to multiple reports of a separate wildlife conflict on May 23, involving a black bear sow and her three yearlings near the Valley Trail around Lorimer Road and Balsam Way.
Officers received complaints that people were approaching the bears and stopping their vehicles on Highway 99 to take photos. In one instance, the sow bluff charged individuals.
“Conservation Officers attended and removed the vehicles and people from the area. The trail was temporarily closed for wildlife and public safety reasons,” the COS said in a statement shared by the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
The COS emphasized the importance of giving wildlife space, keeping dogs leashed, and making noise when using trails. Temporary trail closures in the area have now been lifted, but officers continue to monitor the family of black bears.
“Stopping vehicles or approaching bears to take pictures is extremely dangerous and violators can face fines,” the COS said.
Wildlife conflicts can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 1-877-952-7277. For more resources on preventing bear encounters, visit WildSafeBC.com.
