Collision with black bear near Sooke sends 2 motorists to hospital: RCMP

A vehicular collision with a black bear near Sooke has landed two motorists in the hospital. 

The crash occurred in the 5600 block of Sooke Road at around 5:30 a.m. on the morning of Tuesday, July 21st. 

According to Sooke RCMP, a vehicle hit the bear, then a following motorcycle had to swerve off the road to avoid hitting the car.

Both the drivers suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital in stable condition.

Police say the bear did not survive the collision.

Black bears are common around Sooke and this is not the first time a bear has been struck in the region. 

In 2024, the BC Conservation Officer Service had to humanely euthanize a black bear in the area after it was discovered to have injuries consistent with a motor vehicle collision. 

According to the Wildlife Collision Prevention Program (WCPP), which tries to make BC’s roads safer for people and wildlife through education and awareness, the best way to avoid bear-vehicle collisions is to drive defensively and concentrate on the road at all times. 

The WCPP urges drivers to watch the sides of the road for wildlife attempting to cross— especially where visibility is poor—and use extra caution at night.