A woman had a fortunate escape with only minor injuries on Tuesday after a black bear encounter north of Whistler.
According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS), the woman was out walking her dog in tall grass on her rural property in Pemberton when she unintentionally startled the bear.
Describing the incident, a COS social media post stated, “The bear bit and scratched the woman before backing off.”
Fortunately, the woman’s injuries were minor, and her dog was unharmed.
Given the defensive nature of the bear’s reaction and the remote location of the incident, authorities are not actively pursuing the bear.
The COS is advising the public to take necessary precautions when in bear country, such as making noise and keeping pets on a leash.
If you encounter aggressive bear behavior, you can report it by calling the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.