Bear family remains in estuary; trails still closed

The District of Squamish continues to seek the community’s support to protect the bear family in the Squamish estuary.

In a recent update, district said estuary trails will remain closed to protect the sow and cubs.

District said pictures taken by Meg Toom, the district’s Wildlife Educator, show the mom and cubs are still in the area and accessing natural food.

“This family still needs your help and their survival depends on their ability to continue feeding on natural food,” district said.

“Thank you for continuing to offer protection by respecting the closure, staying away from this area and remaining vigilant with keeping totes locked at all times except on collection day to avoid luring them away from the Estuary and into nearby neighbourhoods,” district said.

District said the closure will be lifted once the bears are in hibernation.

The Squamish Estuary trail network has been closed after the sow had swiped at a person and knocked them to the ground on October 17.

The traps that were earlier set by COS have been removed, although officers continues to monitor the area.

Please continue to report wildlife sightings and encounters to the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 hotline: 1.877.952.7277.