Bear put down after it charges, bites woman on Pemberton trail

A black bear has been put down after a woman walking on a trail in the Pemberton area was bit Monday morning.

According to the BC Conservation Officer Service, the woman was walking along the Riverside Wetlands trail just after 9:30 a.m. when the bear attacked her.

Based on victim and witness descriptions, location and evidence at the scene, COS says it’s “confident this is the bear involved in the recent attack.

“The COS investigation also determined the same bear was behind a delayed report of a similar attack on Sunday, as well as numerous incidents of charging people.”

Because of the risk to public safety, COS said “the bear was not a candidate for rehabilitation or relocation.”

“Two yearling bears were also located in the vicinity of the attack site. In consultation with Ministry of Forests wildlife biologists and the provincial veterinarian, the yearlings – which were healthy and not the subject of any reports of aggressive behaviour – were left alone,” COS adds.

The trail has reopened after specialists completed their investigation.

A woman was charged and bit by a bear in the Pemberton area on June 13, 2022. The BC Conservation Officer Service says the Riverside Wetlands trail has been closed as an investigation is conducted. (Courtesy BCCOS)

The attack comes almost a week after another person had what the Conservation Officer Service called “a minor encounter with a black bear” while hiking with her dogs near Smithers.

In this instance, the bear lunged at the woman and bit her on the foot after her dogs came face to face with the animal. She was not seriously physically hurt, the COS says.

“In both attacks, off-leash dogs were present. It is not unusual for bears to be provoked by dogs running ahead along a trail or in the backcountry, which can increase the risk of an attack on a person,” COS explains.

“The COS strongly urges the public to take precautions when in bear country, including leashing their pets, carrying bear spray and travelling in groups.”

COS adds, that it is illegal to let dogs chase or harass wildlife under the Wildlife Act.

Meanwhile, Golden Ears park was closed Tuesday because of a black bear in the area. Conservation officers confirmed in the evening, that the bear has been killed.

Officers say the bear has become habituated to humans.

Read more: 

• Bear encounter near Smithers prompts warning from conservation service

• West Vancouver resident reportedly feeding bears and coyotes could be charged

• Survey: Some Canadians would play Metallica to scare off a bear, can’t pitch a tent

That black bear has reportedly been breaking into vehicles to get food. And in one case, the animal is said to have gotten into a trailer while people were inside.

As more and more people venture outdoors, you are being reminded to take precautions.

While on a trail, you are told to make noise (to avoid surprising a bear), be aware of your surroundings, stay together in groups, watch your pets, use marked trails, and carry bear spray (and know how to use it.)

If you are camping, it’s recommended you use designated campsites and secure your food and other attractants properly.