A black bear in Powell River was put down after it chased then stood over a five-year-old child at a day camp, according to BC Conservation Officer Service.
The Conservation Officer Service says the child received minor injuries that did not require medical attention, while the day camp the child was attending says the child did not have physical injuries.
At noon on Aug. 22, a group of children was outside playing tag at the Powell River Outdoor Learning Centre and a bear came onto the field.
“The bear began approaching children and as they were running away, one child tripped and fell,” BC Conservation Officer Service says in a post on Facebook. “The bear went on top of the child and was quickly scared away by nearby camp counsellors. The child received minor injuries that did not require medical attention.”
Conservation officers attended but did not immediately find the bear, so the surrounding area including tails and campgrounds were closed.
The bear was found Wednesday morning and was put down. Conservation says no other bears were seen in the area.
Conservation remains in the area to monitor for bear activity and the area will remain closed so officials can continue to work.
The Powell River Outdoor Learning Centre said contrary to what some have said, the bear did not swipe at or swat at the child.
“We have had no issues this summer season with bears at the OLC until this week,” the OLC says on Facebook. “As Outdoor Educators we take great care in ensuring that our facilities are managed carefully to mitigate any bear attractants and inform users on how to minimize negative wildlife interactions.”
This is the second black bear this month that was put down in Powell River and the third on the west coast.
On Aug. 18, it was reported that a bear had been put down after multiple reports had been received of aggressive behaviour. The day after the bear was put down, human remains were found in the same area but officials say there is nothing at this time to suggest the person was killed by a bear.
READ PREVIOUS: Bear put down in Powell River unrelated to discovery of human remains: RCMP
On Aug. 19, conservation officers put down a bear in Squamish that attacked a hiker on the Coho Trail.
If you encounter a bear, BC Conservation recommends you remain calm and do not try to run away or climb a tree, keep away from the bear, stay together with other people if possible, and watch the bear until it leaves.
For more tips on bear encounters, conservation asks people to visit WildSafeBC.
Laura Brougham
