Grizzly experts want research into emaciated bears photographed in Knight Inlet

Last week we told you about the concerns from environmental stewards regarding emaciated grizzly bears in the Knight Inlet. 

Photos of a sow and two cubs taken by Port McNeill wildlife photographer and tour guide Rolf Hicker raised alarms from residents, who said the bears were likely suffering due to an abysmal Pacific salmon return this year.

CKNW contributor Claire Allen spoke with Ernest Alfred, a representative form Swanson Occupation, which is an organization that’s working to have open-net pens removed from the waters. Alfred and others made news earlier this month when they decided to feed the bears 500 pink salmon that were donated from the A-Tlegay Fisheries Society on Vancouver Island. 

Dr. Ken Macquisten is a wildlife veterinarian and managing director for the Grouse Mountain wildlife refuge. He was shocked when he saw the photos, and he, too, would like to get some answers… 

Guest: Dr. Ken Macquisten

Wildlife veterinarian 

managing director for the Grouse Mountain wildlife refuge

Last week we told you about the concerns from environmental stewards regarding emaciated grizzly bears in the Knight Inlet. 

Photos of a sow and two cubs taken by Port McNeill wildlife photographer and tour guide Rolf Hicker raised alarms from residents, who said the bears were likely suffering due to an abysmal Pacific salmon return this year.

CKNW contributor Claire Allen spoke with Ernest Alfred, a representative form Swanson Occupation, which is an organization that’s working to have open-net pens removed from the waters. Alfred and others made news earlier this month when they decided to feed the bears 500 pink salmon that were donated from the A-Tlegay Fisheries Society on Vancouver Island. 

Dr. Ken Macquisten is a wildlife veterinarian and managing director for the Grouse Mountain wildlife refuge. He was shocked when he saw the photos, and he, too, would like to get some answers… 

Guest: Dr. Ken Macquisten

Wildlife veterinarian 

managing director for the Grouse Mountain wildlife refuge