Photo by Liz McDonald
A black bear sow charged a runner near the Squamish Estuary after he surprised her cubs. Conservation officers now urge the public to avoid the area.
Runner Surprised by Bear Near Squamish Trails
A quiet evening run near the Squamish Estuary turned frightening after a black bear sow charged a man who unknowingly came close to her cubs.
The incident happened around 7 p.m. on May 25 near Spit Road. According to the BC Conservation Officer Service, the runner suddenly encountered two cubs before the mother bear rushed toward him and swiped several times.
Thankfully, the man suffered only minor injuries.
Quick Action Helps Scare Bear Away
Several nearby people stepped in during the tense moment. They yelled loudly and made themselves appear larger, which helped drive the bear away safely.
Calvin Rochon with the BC Conservation Officer Service said the sow acted defensively because her cubs were nearby.
He explained that this type of behaviour is normal for a mother bear protecting young cubs. Therefore, officers decided not to relocate or destroy the animal.
Instead, officials now want residents and visitors to stay away from the area until conditions improve.
Officers Patrol Area and Enforce Leash Rules
Conservation officers returned to the estuary early the next morning. Since then, they have installed warning signs, blocked trails and increased patrols near trailheads.
Officers are also cracking down on off-leash dogs in the wildlife management area.
Dog owners who ignore leash laws could face a $300 fine.
Rochon stressed that dogs must stay leashed in bear habitat because loose pets can trigger dangerous wildlife encounters.
He also urged hikers and runners to make noise, stay alert and carry bear spray when travelling through wooded areas.
Squamish Estuary Remains Prime Bear Habitat
The Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area covers 673 hectares and supports a wide range of wildlife.
During spring, black bears forage for fresh vegetation such as grasses, horsetails and skunk cabbage, which grows throughout the estuary’s wetland areas.
Because of this rich food supply, bears frequently move through the region.
Officials say the protected area exists so wildlife can feed and live naturally with minimal disturbance.
Runners and Cyclists Face Higher Risk
WildSafeBC warns that runners and cyclists can accidentally surprise bears more easily than hikers.
Fast movement and quiet travel often increase the chance of a sudden encounter. In some cases, rapid movement may even trigger a chase response.
Experts recommend slowing down near blind corners, calling out regularly and remaining aware of surroundings while using trails in bear country.
Officials Say Bear Is Not Considered Dangerous
Conservation officers do not believe the sow has been involved in previous conflicts with humans.
Rochon noted that black bear attacks remain rare across British Columbia. Still, he reminded the public that bears are powerful predators that deserve caution and respect.
The Conservation Officer Service continues to ask people to avoid the estuary area for now. Anyone concerned about bear activity can contact the Report All Poachers and Polluters hotline.
