A jogger was attacked by a black bear on a trail network in Squamish, British Columbia, on Monday evening, prompting a warning from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service for the public to avoid the area.
Details of the Incident
The Conservation Officer Service reported that the man was running along a trail near Spit Road in the Squamish estuary wildlife management area at around 7 p.m. when he encountered two bear cubs. The mother bear, a sow, charged at him and swiped his arm and leg, causing minor injuries.
In a social media notice, the service stated: "The sow charged towards him and swiped his arm and leg, causing minor injuries." The jogger was treated for his injuries and is expected to recover fully.
Conservation Response
Conservation officers have cordoned off the area with tape and posted signs instructing people to stay out due to the presence of bears. The trail system is located within the 673-hectare wetland, bordered by the Squamish River and a rail line west of downtown Squamish.
This is not the first bear incident in this location. In March, two people walking along Spit Road in the same management area were charged by a black bear, though no injuries were reported. The area was also closed in November 2022 following bear interactions.
Bear Activity in British Columbia
According to WildsafeBC, black bears are most active from April, when they emerge from hibernation, through November. The Conservation Officer Service receives between 14,000 and 25,000 calls per year related to black bears. The public is urged to be cautious and avoid areas where bears are known to be active.
Anyone who encounters a bear is advised to remain calm, back away slowly, and not run. If a bear attacks, using bear spray or playing dead may be appropriate depending on the situation.
The Conservation Officer Service continues to monitor the area and will provide updates as necessary.
