Trails closed after a bear attacked a woman at the river mouth in Squamish, B.C

SQUAMISH, B.C. – Officials say a woman was attacked by a bear while walking her dog at a natural estuary in Squamish, B.C

The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service said in a Facebook post that the trails have been closed since Friday’s attack, when the woman was walking her dog and it escaped into dense bushland.

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

Conservation officials said the bear then ran away and subsequent searches of the area did not reveal the animal’s whereabouts.

The District of Squamish said in a statement that trails at the estuary have been closed and caution tape and barricades have been erected to keep people away from the area.

Conservation officers remain on site to investigate and urge hikers to travel in groups and ensure pets are leashed to avoid similar wildlife encounters.

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

The Canadian Press