A woman sustained a minor injury after being attacked by a bear while walking her dog in the Wildlife Management Area earlier today, according to the BC Conservation Officer Service.
Officials said the incident involved a sow accompanied by her cubs. The woman was reportedly fortunate to escape with only a minor injury.
Conservation officers are urging residents and visitors to avoid the Wildlife Management Area trail network until further notice. They are also reminding the public to keep dogs leashed at all times and to remain vigilant while outdoors.
The District of Squamish noted that all dogs are required to be on leash in the Squamish Estuary, which is a designated Wildlife Management Area. Conservation Officers continue to monitor and assess bear activity in the area and will respond as necessary to ensure public safety.
Officials encourage the public to stay alert, make noise while hiking, carry bear spray and know how to use it, and never approach or feed wildlife. Any wildlife sightings or encounters can be reported to the Conservation Officer Service 24/7 Hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
Glen Beitel says
On leash animals are more aggressive provoking attacks.. as well as coats on dogs. Animals have hidden ways to communicate and our human arrogance not only puts us in danger but our pets and wildlife…I recenlty was attacked by an aggressive germanshepard that shed its collar and burst through a poorly latched gate, while walking a friend’s dog, i imediatly dropped the leash to show aggresive dog respect but as also prepared to seperate to protect my friends dog..it shocked the owner he kept appoligizing but didn’t understand why his dog backed down and just sniffed my friends dog..the shepard expected hostility but i gave by friends dog oppertunity to show submision..its animal 101….not saying the person did anything wrong but thought I could share an opportunity to deescalate future encounters…humans can learn alot from animals.