Park near Duncan remains closed after black bear injures woman

Stoney Hill Regional Park near Duncan remains closed after a woman was injured while intervening in a black bear attack involving her dogs.

According to an update from the BC Conservation Officer Service, the encounter happened shortly before 10 a.m. on Friday, August 14th.

The woman was hiking through the regional park with her dogs off leash when she encountered a female black bear and her cub.

The bear attacked the dogs, prompting the woman to intervene. She suffered undisclosed injuries from the bear, while both dogs survived the encounter.

Conservation officers and RCMP members searched the area following the attack, but did not locate either bear.

The Conservation Officer Service has since determined that the attack was defensive in nature. As a result, officers will not attempt to locate or capture the bears.

Warning signs have been placed in the area and conservation officers will continue monitoring bear activity.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) initially closed the park at the request of conservation officers and RCMP.

As of 10 a.m. on Monday, August 17th, Stoney Hill Regional Park remains closed and the public is being asked not to enter.

The CVRD said another update on the park’s status will be provided on Wednesday, August 19th.

The public is encouraged to reduce the risk of wildlife conflicts by travelling in groups, keeping pets leashed and carrying bear spray.