Canadian Trail Closed After Black Bear Charges Lone Runner

A man running alone on a forested trail in Squamish, British Columbia, was attacked by a black bear on Monday after he came across her two cubs, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said. He escaped with minor injuries, and authorities have closed the popular trail network while officers monitor the bears.

The encounter happened around 7 p.m. local time on a path near Spit Road, inside the Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area, a 673-hectare wetland along the Squamish River. The runner came upon the cubs without warning. The sow charged, struck him with her paws, and broke off the attack. A passing runner and a cyclist stopped to help him.

Conservation officers responded that night and swept the trail system. They located the sow and her two cubs and hazed them away from the path. Officers also interviewed the victim and assessed the site of the attack. They returned on Tuesday to continue the response.

As per Canadian Running, the Conservation Officer Service said it is not attempting to capture or relocate the bears because the sow acted defensively, protecting her young rather than predating on a person. Officers asked the public to stay off the trails in the wildlife area “to allow the bear family unit space,” and they have posted tape and signage at trail entrances. Dog walkers caught with pets off-leash in the area can be fined.

A familiar warning for runners in bear country

This is not the first time these trails have been closed because of a bear attack. The same network was shut down last fall after a similar incident, and conservation officers have already investigated several bear encounters in the region this spring, including an attack on a man at his property last week.

Bear season in British Columbia runs from spring through fall, and the start of warm weather usually brings a spike in trail closures and warnings. Sows with cubs are responsible for a large share of defensive attacks. They will tolerate close approaches in some cases, but a quiet runner coming around a corner at speed is the kind of surprise that can trigger a charge.

For runners heading into bear country this season, the standard advice still holds. Carry bear spray on your hip belt or in a handheld where you can reach it in under two seconds. Make noise as you run, especially on blind corners and near streams where the sound of water can mask your footsteps. Run with a partner or group when you can. Check local advisories before you go, and turn around when you see signs or tape posted. New to trail running? Start on busier paths until you build comfort with reading the terrain and the wildlife signs around you.

Sightings, attacks and dead wildlife in British Columbia can be reported to the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277. More information for runners and other trail users is available through WildSafeBC.