A black bear attack at Stoney Hill Regional Park on Vancouver Island led to the closure of the park on Friday. The incident occurred when a hiker with off-leash dogs encountered a female bear and her cub. The adult bear attacked the dogs, and the hiker sustained injuries while trying to protect them.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service confirmed the incident, stating that no bear was found after a search in collaboration with the RCMP. As a safety measure, the park was closed in cooperation with the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The conservation officers assessed the situation as a defensive bear behavior and decided not to pursue the bear.
Warning signs have been placed in the area, and the hiker’s dogs survived the attack. The public is advised to take precautions such as traveling in groups, keeping pets leashed, and carrying bear spray to minimize human-wildlife conflicts.