A jogger suffered minor injuries after being charged by a black bear on a trail network in the Squamish estuary wildlife management area on Monday evening, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. when the man was running along a trail near Spit Road. He encountered two bear cubs, prompting the sow to charge and swipe at his arm and leg, officials said.
"The sow charged towards him and swiped his arm and leg, causing minor injuries," the Conservation Officer Service stated in a social media notice.
Conservation officers responded by taping off the area and posting signs to keep people out due to the presence of bears. The trail system spans a 673-hectare wetland bordered by the Squamish River and a rail line west of downtown Squamish.
This marks the latest in a series of bear encounters in the same management area. In March, two people walking along Spit Road were charged by a black bear, though no injuries were reported in that case.
The area was also cordoned off in November 2022 following similar bear interactions, according to reports from the region.
Black bears are most active from April, when they emerge from hibernation, through November. They account for between 14,000 and 25,000 calls per year to the Conservation Officer Service, WildsafeBC has noted.
Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid the network of trails in the Squamish estuary until further notice. The warning comes as part of broader efforts to manage wildlife in the region.
Local officials have not released the jogger's name or additional details about his condition beyond confirming the injuries were minor. No other witnesses have come forward publicly at this time.
The estuary area is popular for outdoor activities, but repeated bear sightings have led to temporary closures in recent years. Conservation officers continue to monitor the situation closely.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant and report any further sightings to the appropriate authorities. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service emphasized the importance of giving wildlife space in these shared habitats.
Similar incidents have prompted increased signage and public education campaigns across British Columbia's coastal communities. Officials said they will reassess the trail closures based on ongoing observations of the bears' behavior.