A black bear attack on a hiker and her off-leash dogs led to the closure of a regional park on Vancouver Island last Friday. The incident occurred at Stoney Hill Regional Park near Duncan around 10 a.m. PT, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS).
The hiker was walking her dogs off-leash when they encountered a female black bear and a cub. The adult bear attacked the dogs, prompting the woman to intervene, resulting in undisclosed injuries. Following the incident, conservation officers and RCMP conducted a thorough search of the area but did not spot the bear.
As a precautionary measure for public safety, the park was closed in collaboration with the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Conservation officers determined the attack was defensive in nature and decided not to pursue the bear. Warning signs have been posted in the area, and the hiker’s dogs survived the encounter.
To prevent human-wildlife conflicts, the public is advised to follow safety precautions such as traveling in groups, keeping pets leashed, and carrying bear spray, as highlighted in the BCCOS statement.
