A black bear attack on a hiker and her off-leash dogs prompted the closure of a regional park on Vancouver Island. The incident occurred at Stoney Hill Regional Park near Duncan in the morning, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS).

The woman was walking her dogs when they encountered a female black bear and a cub. The adult bear attacked the dogs, leading the woman to intervene and sustain undisclosed injuries in the process.

Following the incident, conservation officers and RCMP searched the area but did not locate the bear. In collaboration with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, the park was closed to ensure public safety.

Authorities determined that the bear’s actions were defensive, opting not to pursue capturing the animal. Warning signs have been placed in the vicinity, and the hiker’s dogs survived the attack.

To prevent human-wildlife conflicts, the public is advised to take precautions such as traveling in groups, leashing pets, and carrying bear spray, as highlighted in the official statement by the BCCOS.