FILE PHOTO
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
May 09, 2016 - 11:25 AM
VERNON - A woman out walking her dog had a nerve-wracking encounter with a bear this morning in the North Okanagan, but the conservation service says it all ended well.
The 28-year-old woman was walking in the bush about two miles from Tronson Road when she noticed a couple of bear cubs, conservation officer Mike Richardson says.
“A sow black bear came up on the trail approximately 15 metres away from her and just looked at her,” Richardson says.
The bear didn’t charge or show any aggression though, Richardson says.
“The bear showed no interest in her at all, it was more interested in getting her cubs out of there,” Richardson says. “The lady was shaken up because because the bear was pretty close.”
The conservation service has been receiving reports of bears throughout the North Okanagan, mostly garbage related. Residents are reminded to keep their garbage secure and put it out on the curb only on pick-up day.
If you do see a bear, Richardson says to remain calm.
“Don’t run, make a bit of noise, look big, back up, and get out of there,” Richardson says.
— This story was updated at 2:36 p.m. May 9, 2016 to include more information from the conservation service.
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