Wildlife Update: Merrill Park closure lifted but bear activity throughout Squamish is still high

The bear traps at Merrill Park in the Garibaldi Highlands have been unsuccessful in capturing the bear involved in the physical encounter May 21, 2017. The traps have been removed by the Conservation Officer Service and the park has been reopened.

However, the public is advised to continue to take precautions while using all trails as there is substantial bear activity throughout the valley at this time. Calls to the Conservation Officer Service in the first three weeks of May have increased 74% over last year.

Dogs and bears

Urban bears that have a history of being harassed by dogs may become even more defensive when they encounter people with dogs either on or off leash. This can lead to a defensive attack that can injure the owner or the dog. As a community we need to avoid bear-dog interactions for the safety of the bear, your pet, yourself, as well as the next person that encounters that bear. Research since 2010 has shown that over 50% of black bear attacks on humans in North America involved dogs.

Top three safety tips for staying safe on trails in bear country

1. Be aware of your surroundings.
2. Keep pets on a leash.
3. Carry bear spray - a proven and effective deterrent that should be used at close range as showcased in this video.

For more information on bear safety, please visit WildSafeBC.com or Squamish.ca.

June 1, 2017