The Hungry Hill grizzly bear is going on vacation.
Tonight, Town of Smithers council agreed, in principle, to loan the animal to Grouse Mountain to be showcased at their Refuge for Endangered Wildlife from May 17 to October 13.
This summer, the refuge is planning a Summer of the Bears program they would like the beast to be a part of, said Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife wildlife manager Devin Manky in a letter to council.
The bear is currently on display at the Smithers Regional Airport.
Conditions that would have to be met for the loan to go ahead, said airport manager Rob Blackburn, include how it is shipped and how the bear is to be displayed. It must be shipped by professionals, he warned, and sit underneath temperature-controlled, protective glass.
"I think it's such a great idea," Blackburn said. "There are some huge benefits there, but [the taxidermist] has warned us to proceed cautiously."
Smithers Mayor Taylor Bachrach said he hopes seeing the display and hearing the story encourages people in Vancouver to come visit the Bulkley Valley.
"The bear can be a bit of an ambassador for our community," Bachrach said.
For the town to move forward, all costs must be paid by Grouse Mountain.