The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) and the Village of Cumberland are urging residents to be extra vigilant following an incident where a black bear injured a person on Sunday. According to the BCCOS, two hikers with an unleashed dog were attacked by a family of black bears near the Bevan Wetlands. One of the hikers sustained injuries and was hospitalized but has since been discharged. The conservation officers determined the attack was defensive and decided against searching for the bear, opting instead to monitor the area.
The Village of Cumberland took to social media to advise visitors to be cautious, watch for bear indicators such as fresh scat and tracks, hike in groups, leash their dogs, carry bear spray, and create noise while traversing wilderness areas. Any instances of aggressive bear behavior or human-wildlife interactions can be reported to the Conservation Officer Service’s 24-hour RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.