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Update: Squamish Estuary trails reopened, bear won't be put down

The Squamish Estuary trails have been reopened after a woman received non-life threatening injuries after being bitten by a black bear on May 10. Conservation determined the attack was defensive in nature and the bear won't be captured or put down.
Andrew Hughes
Andrew Hughes

Update on May 15 at 9:30 a.m.

The 小蓝视频 Conservation Officer Service (COS) says the bear involved in the May 10 incident will not be captured or put down.

According to a social media post, COS concluded that the recent bear attack in the Squamish Estuary was "defensive in nature." As such, COS will not capture or put down the bear.

"A woman was walking her dog along a trail south of Bailey Street when the dog ran off into thick brush. The woman then noticed two bear cubs and was suddenly charged and bitten by the sow, which ran off. The woman received medical attention for non-life threatening injuries," reads from COS.

"Conservation Officers remained in the area for several days during their investigation, which included an assessment of the attack site, as well as interviews with the victim."
 
COS states that the trails have been reopened to the public and urged people to give bears space, make noise and leash pets at all times. Furthermore, the service encouraged walking in groups and carrying bear spray.
 
A spokesperson for the District of Squamish referred an inquiry from The 小蓝视频 to the COS Facebook post, but reiterated that dogs must be leashed in the estuary and the Wildlife Management Area.
 
This isn't the first time the COS chose not to put down a bear in the Squamish Estuary after an attack. In November 2022, COS also determined that two bear attacks were defensive behaviour and, therefore, they chose to close the area and let the bears be.

—Original story—

The popular Estuary Trail in Squamish was closed over the weekend after a woman was bitten by a black bear.

According to the Conservation Officer Service (COS), the trails were closed after Friday evening (May 10), when a woman who was walking her dog south of Bailey Street encountered a sow and two cubs.

The sow charged and bit the woman after her dog ran into the forest.

“The woman received medical attention for non-life threatening injuries,” reported the COS.

“Conservation Officers responded to the attack site. No bears were seen.”

COS signage warning walkers away from the area was placed on Friday and remained through the weekend while officers investigated the area searching for the bears.

The signs remained in place on Monday, May 13, alongside permanent District of Squamish signage warning that all dogs must be leashed on the Estuary Trails.

The COS reiterated safety tips for the public in case of wildlife encounters, recommending people travel in groups, ensure their pets are leashed at all times, and carry bear spray.

Locals are encouraged to report bear conflicts to the Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline, at 1-877-952-7277.

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