A black bear that had become conditioned to associating people with food destroyed three tents at a popular campground on southern Vancouver Island on July 26. The bear also tried to get into an occupied vehicle. The campground was evacuated and closed to visitors after the commotion.
The bear had entered French Beach Provincial Park, located west of Sooke, a town about 38 kilometres from Victoria, on Wednesday morning, according to CTV News.
The entire park, comprising day-use, camping, and hiking areas, will be closed until after the weekend, and park operators have cancelled campsite reservations for the weekend.
“BC Parks will closely monitor the situation and hope to reopen the park to visitors by Monday July 31,” BC Parks said in an advisory.
French Beach Provincial Park is situated on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, on the west coast of southern Vancouver Island.
Earlier in July, a tree planter was attacked and seriously injured by a grizzly bear near Tumbler Ridge in Eastern B.C.
The 21-year-old woman was planting trees in an area southwest of Bearhole Lake Provincial Park on July 6 when the bear attacked her.
The victim was taken to hospital in stable condition.
According to BC Parks, bear encounters can happen “almost anywhere” in the province.
“Black bears can be found in every part of the province, including on the outskirts of cities and in suburbs,” the agency says.
The agency recommends the following actions when encountering a bear:
- If you see a bear, stop where you are and stay calm. Never run away. Observe the bear’s behaviour to decide on your next move.
- Check that you have bear spray and make sure you can get to it quickly if you need it.
- If the bear has not noticed you, leave the area quietly. Go back the way you came while keeping an eye on the bear.
- If the bear has noticed you but is not reacting to your presence, speak softly and back away slowly.
- If the bear becomes agitated, makes noises, or seems aggressive, continue backing away slowly and talking softly. Do not run away.
- While backing away, do not make eye contact, but keep the bear in sight. Take your bear spray out and get ready to use it.
- If the bear charges, stand your ground and discharge your bear spray when the bear is within spraying range.
- If the bear is steadily approaching you, try to get out of its way, preferably onto higher ground.
- If the bear continues to approach you, yell at it. If it gets within spraying range of you, discharge your bear spray.
- If the bear knocks you down, roll onto your stomach and lie still. Protect the back of your head. Spread your feet slightly so that the bear cannot roll you over.
- If the bear continues to attack, or if it appears to be predatory, fight it off with everything at hand. Focus on the bear’s eyes and nose.
