Conservation Officers are investigating an incident involving a black bear that swiped and injured an elderly West Vancouver resident on their property. The resident was investigating a noise from her garage when a bear made contact. There is initial evidence that the bear attempted to break into the enclosed garage.
West Vancouver police and EHS responded to the initial incident. The resident was taken to hospital with minor injuries. Police conducted a safety patrol, but no bears were seen. Conservation Officers will investigate further to determine other factors that led to the attack, including any previous public safety incidents with bears in the same area.
The public is asked to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions in case of wildlife encounters, including travelling in groups, ensuring pets are leashed and carrying bear spray. Bear sightings in the area or aggressive bear behaviour can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277.
That is why our garbage CANNOT be left out. It is to be kept in a secured area that bears CANNOT access.
Do NOT blame the bear.
“There is initial evidence that the bear attempted to break into the enclosed garage”. What does this has anything to do with leaving the garbage out?
If the ‘garbage’ or attractants were not accessible, the bear would not be ‘attracted’. A bear does not try to break into nothing.