Beloved BC Grizzly Bear “Grinder” Dead After 2 Decades Of Delighting Locals And Tourists Alike

He first captured the hearts of British Columbia in 2001. Back then, Grinder was just a baby Bruin found orphaned in Invermere. He soon found a home on the North Shore, where alongside fellow rescue Kula, he drew admirers from all over the world to the top of a mountain for more than two decades. He had a cheeky personality. On Friday, one of Grouse Mountain's beloved resident grizzlies after living in a unique slopeside sanctuary for a remarkable 25 years, longer than most grizzlies reach in the wild. Few will feel the loss deeper than veterinarian Ken McQuiston, who cared for both bears from infancy. Grinder was special because literally millions of people got as close as me and you to see him. It'll be a big adjustment too for lifelong companion Kula, who remains in good health and was given space to say goodbye to Grinder's body, a process thought to help animals recognize profound loss. We let Kula come over and say hello and the two of them vocalized. Once Grinder was sedated, Kula was allowed to have nose contact with them. We opened up the door between them and then once Grinder had passed away, we fully opened up the door and we all departed and we left Grinder and Kula to themselves. This loss felt by an entire province, now grieving a grizzly that became a staple in the lives of so many in such an unexpected way and now leaves a void as big as his legacy as an ambassador for wildlife conservation and education. When you have any sort of companion for 25 years, it's a hard go when it's their time, so it's been emotional. As Grinder leaves us all with one last lesson in saying goodbye.