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A regional park on Vancouver Island was closed on Friday after a hiker and her off-leash dogs were attacked by a black bear.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said in a statement on social media that the attack happened in Stoney Hill Regional Park east of Duncan just before 10 a.m. PT.
It said a woman was walking her dogs off-leash when they encountered a female black bear and a cub.
Conservation officers said the adult bear attacked the dogs, and the woman intervened and “received undisclosed injuries” as a result.
“Conservation officers swept the area, alongside RCMP. No bear was seen,” the statement said.
“In [co-ordination] with the Cowichan Valley Regional District the park has been closed to ensure public safety.”
Conservation officers said they determined the attack was defensive in nature, and they will not attempt to locate or capture the bear.
The statement added that warning signs have been placed in the area, and the hiker’s dogs survived.
“The public is encouraged to familiarize themselves with precautions to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, including travelling in groups, leashing pets and carrying bear spray,” the statement concluded.