“Black Bear Attack Forces Vancouver Island Park Closure”

A black bear attack led to the closure of a regional park on Vancouver Island when a hiker and her dogs encountered the bears. The incident occurred at Stoney Hill Regional Park near Duncan early in the morning. The hiker’s off-leash dogs were attacked by the bears, resulting in injuries to the woman when she tried to intervene. Authorities, including the B.C. Conservation Officer Service and the RCMP, searched the area but did not find the bear. To ensure public safety, the park was closed in collaboration with the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Conservation officers determined the attack was defensive and decided not to pursue the bear. Warning signs have been placed in the area, and the hiker’s dogs survived the incident. The public is advised to take precautions such as traveling in groups, leashing pets, and carrying bear spray to prevent human-wildlife conflicts.