This is how conservationists are working to keep the grizzly bear alive in B.C.
From habitat loss and food insecurity, to the growing human population, grizzly bears face the possibility of becoming endangered.
After the province's grizzly bear hunt ended in 2017, conservationists were left worried about where funding for bear conservation will come from, but according to the Commercial Bear Viewing Association and The Grizzly Bear Foundation, bear viewing operators stepped up and nearly $300,000 has been collected so far.
"Honestly, every time you see a grizzly bear, it's a gift. Just to see them is amazing," said Randy Burke, who's been a bear guide for three decades.
He said it's a remarkable experience to watch grizzly bears in nature, adding that people travel halfway across the country for the experience.
"It represents true wilderness. It represents a healthy ecosystem. And it represents something that we, here in British Columbia, need to cherish and make sure we protect," he said.
"In Alberta, the grizzly bear is designated as threatened, while in British Columbia, it is blue-listed," according to the province's website, meaning the species remains a special concern for conservationists.
"It's important that if we give back and we understand how to protect these animals, our relationship will be way better and their lives will be extended," said Burke, adding that one way to do that is through guided bear viewing tours.
The CDVA and the GBF have partnered up and launched a new campaign this week, highlighting the importance of grizzly bear conservation through guided tours.
Conservation efforts include research and organizers say the initiative has been a success.
"We've over $200,000 at this point. And we're expecting close to $300,000 for this year," said Kathy MacRae, the executive director of the CBVA.
Going on these guided tours isn't cheap -- a day trip costs up to $600 and a week-long excursion can go for $10,000.
"I think it's people that really love to be in nature, care about the well being of these large, beautiful animals," said MacRae.
Nicholas Scapillati, the executive director of the GBF, said money is collected in a "non-consumptive way" and goes back to conservation efforts, such as research.
"That money goes to groups like the Grizzly Bear Foundation, First Nations and their guardians and local conservation programs, and other NGOs that are working to protect grizzly bears, black bears and the white coated spirit bear," he said.
The campaign launches on the heels of the province's Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework that aims to improve conservation efforts.
Organizers hope through ecotourism, animals, including the grizzly bear, stay with us forever.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.