Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons/Gregory "Slobirdr" Smith
May 05, 2021 - 2:07 PM
A close call with a grizzly bear yesterday afternoon left a Malakwa man shaken.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service said the man was walking his dogs on his rural property northeast of Sicamous when one dog ran into the bush and there was a commotion.
"A lone bear came charging out of the bush and bit the man as his other dog engaged the animal," the service said.
"The man suffered bites to his legs and was treated and released from the hospital. The dogs had only minor scratches."
The Conservation Officer Service Predator Attack Team interviewed the victim and investigated the attack site, which included using a drone to visually sweep the area.
They concluded this was a surprise defensive attack, and the bear will be left alone.
"The COS would like to remind the public to take precautions when in the wilderness, to avoid any encounters with wildlife," the service said in an online notice. "Making noise when walking outside can help lessen the chances of surprising a bear. Pet owners should also be aware that off-leash animals can potentially provoke an attack."
The province has a number of tips to stay safe if a bear encounter occurs.
Among them is to remain calm, do not run or climb a tree, slowly back away, talking to the bear in a quiet, monotone voice. Do not scream, turn your back on the bear, kneel down or make direct eye contact. If the bear gets too close, use pepper spray (within 7 metres) or something else to threaten or distract it.
To read the full list of what to do, follow the link.
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