Conservation officers have warned Willowbrook residents about a bear trap set in the area where a woman was attacked by a black bear on Wednesday. Photo by Lyonel Doherty
Conservation officers are attempting to apprehend a black bear that attacked a woman who was walking her dog in the Willowbrook area on Wednesday.
A horseback rider told the Chronicle that a woman was attacked while walking her dog in Willowbrook “park” near the horse riding ring.
“I was told (by a conservation officer) that the bear threw her around and bit her arm hard enough to crush it. Her dog managed to chase it away,” the Oliver resident said.
Barb Leslie, inspector of conservation operations, confirmed that the victim was walking a dog when contact was made with a black bear. The victim suffered lacerations, bite marks and a broken arm, Leslie said.
“It doesn’t look like the bear was interested in the dog,” the inspector pointed out.
Leslie said the black bear charged the victim. “We are investigating the matter very seriously.”
One neighbour told the Chronicle that the bear attacked the woman from behind and that its cubs were observed in the area.
Leslie noted that officers have set live traps in hopes to catch the bear, however, there are several black bear family units in the area, she explained.
Leslie said the hot, dry weather is prompting bears to seek greener areas for their food source, such as huckleberry or chokecherry. Residents are advised to lock up their garbage, don’t leave dog food out, and ensure their barbecues are clean of leftover food bits.
The inspector said people who suspect that bears might be in the area should probably not go hiking there.
“When people are out walking, hiking or riding, they need to make sure they have a good line of sight and make lots of noise.”
Leslie said people really need to be aware of their surroundings. If they see a bear, they should slowly back away. If a bear confronts you, make yourself as big and loud as possible, she advised. And if worse comes to worse, put up a fight.
The inspector acknowledged that people have a strong attachment to their dogs, but she noted that many people get injured trying to rescue their pets from bears.
People are advised to stay out of the Willowbrook area in question.
By Lyonel Doherty
