A black bear attack at a regional park on Vancouver Island led to its closure on Friday following an incident involving a hiker and her off-leash dogs. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) reported the attack occurred at Stoney Hill Regional Park near Duncan around 10 a.m. PT. The hiker’s dogs were confronted by a female black bear and a cub while off-leash, resulting in the adult bear attacking the dogs and causing the woman to sustain undisclosed injuries after intervening.
Authorities, including conservation officers and RCMP, conducted a search in the area but did not spot the bear. As a safety measure, the park was closed in collaboration with the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The BCCOS classified the attack as defensive and decided against pursuing the bear. Warning signs have been installed, and the hiker’s dogs survived the encounter.
To prevent human-wildlife conflicts, the public is advised to take precautions such as traveling in groups, leashing pets, and carrying bear spray, as outlined in the statement released by the BCCOS.