Black bear attacks hiker on Vancouver Island

A black bear is seen in this stock image.

A hiker was hospitalized after being attacked by a black bear on Vancouver Island over the weekend, according to conservation officers.

In a statement, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said two people were walking with their off-leash dogs on a trail in the Bevan Wetlands near Cumberland on the afternoon of July 19 when the attack occurred.

The hikers encountered a family of black bears in dense brush, officers said, adding the hiker who was attacked was later released from hospital.

Officials will not be searching for the bears as the attack was deemed defensive. However, warning signs have gone up on the trail and officers say they will monitor bear activity in the area.

“The public is encouraged to familiarize themselves with precautions to minimize human-wildlife conflicts, including leashing pets and carrying bear spray,” the BCCOS wrote in the statement.

More information on what to do during an encounter with a black bear can be found on the WildSafeBC website.