Bear Update – Squamish Estuary trail network is closed until further notice

The Squamish Estuary network of trails remains closed and is expected to be closed for the next few weeks until the bears hibernate, typically in mid-to-late November. The most effective thing the public can do to protect the bears foraging in the estuary is to adhere to the closure signs, barricades and/or tape, and stay out of the trail network for now. 

Unfortunately, the risk remains that the closure won’t be respected. This is the reason why the Conservation Officer Service (COS) recommended over the weekend that a bear family be relocated, after the sow had swiped at a person and knocked them to the ground. Relocating the stressed sow and her family out of the area would give them the best chance for survival, and ensure she was unable to injure anyone.

The COS has revised its strategy on relocating the bear family however, due to the high number of bears currently foraging in the estuary, and the inability to trap the correct family. The traps have been removed and the COS continues to monitor the area. As long as people stay out of the trail network, the bears should be able to remain.

District of Squamish Bylaw Services and the COS will undertake periodic patrols in the area to educate people on the importance of respecting the closure. A map of the closed area is below.

October 20, 2020