Hiking trails closed after bear attack on woman at river mouth in Squamish, BC

SQUAMISH, BC — Officials say a woman was attacked by a bear while walking her dog at a nature reserve in Squamish, BC.

British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service said in a Facebook post that the trails have been closed since the attack on Friday. The woman was walking her dog when the dog ran into the dense bushes.

Officials said the woman then noticed two bear cubs and was “suddenly” attacked by an accompanying female bear, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

Conservation officials said the bear subsequently ran away and that subsequent searches of the area failed to locate the animal.

The District of Squamish said in a statement that hiking trails at the river mouth have been closed and tape and barricades have been put up to keep people out of the area.

Conservation officers remain on site to investigate the incident and are urging hikers to hike in groups and keep their pets on a leash to avoid similar encounters with wildlife.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 11, 2024.

The Canadian Press