Bear attack near Cumberland, B.C., sends 1 to hospital, prompts advisory

Bear attack near Cumberland, B.C., sends 1 to hospital, prompts advisory

Two hikers and their dog encountered a family of black bears near the Bevan Wetlands on Vancouver Island

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) and the Village of Cumberland are advising residents to take extra caution, after one person was injured by a black bear on Sunday.

The BCCOS confirmed in an email that two hikers accompanied by an off-leash dog were attacked after coming across a family of black bears near the Bevan Wetlands.

One hiker was injured and taken to hospital, and has since been released.

Conservation officers investigated and determined the attack was defensive in nature, but made no efforts to locate the bear, BCCOS says.

However, they will continue to monitor the area.

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In a post to social media, the Village of Cumberland is advising visitors to be bear aware and scan for signs of bears like fresh scat and tracks. Hikers are also advised to travel in groups, keep dogs leashed, carry bear spray, and make noise as they move through the wilderness.

Aggressive bear behaviour and human-wildlife encounters can be reported to the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.