We’ve all seen some questionable behavior on social media, but a couple of recent images circulating out of Smithers, BC, really take the prize for peak internet Darwinism.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) is currently hunting for info on two men who thought it would be a stellar idea to turn a local highway into a drive-thru petting zoo. Over the long weekend, these absolute geniuses were caught on camera allegedly hand-feeding grizzly bears in the Hudson Bay Road area.
Because apparently, regular reality isn’t exciting enough to some.
According to reports, the social media videos showcase two distinct flavors of reckless behavior:
- Exhibit A: A man casually feeding a grizzly bear a carrot from the comfort of his vehicle. (Because nothing says “I understand apex predators” like offering a snack through a car window).
- Exhibit B: A man stepping outside of his vehicle to try and feed an apple to a grizzly. To make things even more thrilling, a second grizzly bear can be seen lingering in the background.
A Quick Reminder: Grizzlies do not understand the concept of “just a snack.” If you give them an apple, they don’t see a generous friend; they see a walking vending machine. And when the vending machine runs out of apples… well, use your imagination.
While this specific circus took place in British Columbia, let’s be entirely honest: the urge to treat lethal wildlife like domestic house pets is a borderless epidemic. Whether you are driving through the mountain passes of Canada or cruising through the rugged backcountry of Montana, the rules of nature don’t change. A grizzly in Big Sky Country has the exact same temperament as a grizzly in BC—meaning both will gladly dismantle a human for a snack.
Furthermore, we often joke about the tourist chaos that happens inside fenced-off, designated sanctuaries, but this is a stark reminder that our local national parks are not the only places people completely lose their minds. You don’t need a National Park pass to encounter a bear, and stepping outside of park boundaries doesn’t suddenly grant you magical immunity from getting mauled. Dangerous wildlife is everywhere there is wilderness.
Why “Fed is Dead” Isn’t Just a Catchy Slogan
While these guys might have thought they were filming a wholesome viral video, BC Conservation Officer Cody Cyr was quick to inject some harsh reality into the situation.
“Feeding dangerous wildlife is not only illegal, but an extremely risky activity both for the safety of the person, as well as the bear,” Cyr warned. “Feeding bears is not helping them. Feeding bears creates a public safety risk by conditioning the animals to human food and presence.”
When a bear learns that humans equal food, they lose their natural fear of us. That leads to bold behavior, which inevitably leads to a tragic end where wildlife officials have to euthanize the animal. In short: You aren’t being a Disney princess; you’re signing the bear’s death warrant.
If common sense, the fear of being mauled, and basic ecological respect aren’t enough to deter you, maybe your bank account will be.
| Location / Offense | Potential Penalties |
| British Columbia: Feeding or attracting dangerous wildlife | Up to $100,000 in fines and/or jail time. |
| Montana / US Federal Lands: Feeding or harassing wildlife | Heavy fines, weapon forfeiture, and potential jail time. |
That is a remarkably expensive carrot.
BC Conservation Officers are actively investigating the incident and have reason to believe these two aspiring wildlife whisperers don’t actually live in British Columbia (color us shocked).
If you happen to recognize the men from your social media feeds or have any info about the Hudson Bay Road incidents, the BCCOS wants to hear from you. You can report tips anonymously to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
No matter where you are traveling this season—from the Yukon down to Yellowstone—let’s keep the wildlife wild. If you want to feed something, get a dog.
(Feature image not an actual image from above story)