Woman attacked by bear in Squamish

A woman was attacked by a bear while walking her dog on a trail in Squamish, B.C., on Friday evening, conservation officials say.

The BC Conservation Officer Service said the dog ran from the trail south of Bailey Street into thick brush just after 8 p.m. Then the woman noticed two bear cubs.

She “was suddenly attacked and bitten by the sow” or mother bear, and then she ran away.

The woman received medical attention and her injuries were not life-threatening, according to BCCOS.

Conservation officers set out but found no bears. The service said officers will remain in the area Saturday to investigate.

All trails leading into the Squamish Estuary were closed following the attack, Squamish County said in a social media post Saturday.

The district asked people to stay away from the area.

“The public is encouraged to take precautions when encountering wildlife, including traveling in groups, ensuring pets are on a leash and carrying bear spray,” the BCCOS wrote in a social media post Saturday.

Conflicts with bears or aggressive bear behavior can be reported to conservation officers at 1-877-952-7277.