Bear encounter near Smithers prompts warning from conservation service
Posted June 8, 2022 7:30 pm.
Last Updated June 8, 2022 7:31 pm.
A face-to-face encounter with a black bear near Smithers this week is prompting the Conservation Officer Service to urge the public to take precautions when hiking in the backcountry.
A woman was hiking with her off-leash dogs and walking ahead of her along the Tyee Mountain Ski Trails Monday morning. Around 11 a.m., the dogs turned a corner and saw a black bear on the hike.
“As the dogs tried to chase the bear away, it lunged at the woman, biting her on the foot,” the COS explains in a statement.
The woman managed to scare the bear away when she yelled at it and walked away with minor injuries.
Smithers Conservation Officers attended the remote forested area, which is about 16 km southwest of Smithers.
“Based on the information gathered and an assessment of the scene, Conservation Officers concluded that this was a defensive attack, and no further action will be taken. Signage has been posted along the trails,” COS adds.
COS is advising folks to take necessary precautions when in bear country, “such as leashing up pets, carrying bear spray and travelling in groups.”
More safety tips can be found on the provincial site.
