Conservation officers have confirmed a black bear was put down in North Vancouver on Wednesday, after a Deep Cove woman was bit.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) tells CityNews the woman was bit while she was gardening at her home around 3 p.m.
“Thankfully, the woman was not seriously injured,” the BCCOS said.
Conservation and North Vancouver RCMP officers were called to the area.
The decision was made to put down the large male bear, which the BCCOS was untagged, “to ensure public safety.”
The North Shore is no stranger to bears and other wildlife. Residents are urged to take precautions to avoid attracting bears, such as by securing attractants, properly handling and storing food scraps, pruning fruit trees, and not planting fruit bearing plants, unless you can properly manage them.
The B.C. government says if you do encounter a bear, you should:
- Remain calm and slowly back away from the bear while taking to it in a quiet, monotone voice. You are told not to run or climb a tree, and do not scream. Never turn your back on a bear, kneel down, or make direct eye contact with the animal.
- Try to keep your distance from the bear and if it gets too close, use bear spray.
- When out with others, stay together in a group and keep children close, while carrying smaller children.
- Bring pets indoors if possible.
- Watch the bear until it leaves, making sure it has a clear escape route.
You are reminded that it is illegal to feed bears and other wildlife.
-With files from Angelyna Mintz