Update on May 15 at 9:30 a.m.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) says the bear involved in the May 10 incident will not be captured or put down.
According to a social media post, COS concluded that the recent bear attack in the Squamish Estuary was "defensive in nature." As such, COS will not capture or put down the bear.
"A woman was walking her dog along a trail south of Bailey Street when the dog ran off into thick brush. The woman then noticed two bear cubs and was suddenly charged and bitten by the sow, which ran off. The woman received medical attention for non-life threatening injuries," reads the Facebook post from COS.
—Original story—
The popular Estuary Trail in Squamish was closed over the weekend after a woman was bitten by a black bear.
According to the Conservation Officer Service (COS), the trails were closed after Friday evening (May 10), when a woman who was walking her dog south of Bailey Street encountered a sow and two cubs.
The sow charged and bit the woman after her dog ran into the forest.
“The woman received medical attention for non-life threatening injuries,” reported the COS.
“Conservation Officers responded to the attack site. No bears were seen.”
COS signage warning walkers away from the area was placed on Friday and remained through the weekend while officers investigated the area searching for the bears.
The signs remained in place on Monday, May 13, alongside permanent District of Squamish signage warning that all dogs must be leashed on the Estuary Trails.
The COS reiterated safety tips for the public in case of wildlife encounters, recommending people travel in groups, ensure their pets are leashed at all times, and carry bear spray.
Locals are encouraged to report bear conflicts to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline, at 1-877-952-7277.
