Bear killed after chasing 5-year-old at Powell River day camp

Conservation officers shot and killed a black bear that chased and then stood over a five-year-old child at a Powell River day camp this week.

A group of children were playing in a field at Haywire Bay about noon on Tuesday when a bear came onto the field.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said the bear approached the children, who ran away.

One child tripped and fell. “The bear went on top of the child,” the Conservation Officer Service said in a Facebook post, but was “quickly scared away by nearby camp counsellors.”

“The child received minor injuries that did not require medical attention.”

Conservation officers and RCMP immediately responded and did a sweep of the area, but no bears were found.

The City of Powell River and qathet Regional District closed the camp and surrounding trails.

Conservation officers returned to the site Wednesday morning and found a black bear matching witness descriptions. The bear was put down after it started to approach officers.

The service encourages people to take precautions in case of wildlife encounters, including travelling in groups, ensuring pets are leashed and carrying bear spray.

For more tips, go to WildSafeBC.com.