Reports of a grizzly bear over the past few days in the Gibsons area have now been confirmed.
Sergeant Dean Miller of the BC Conservation Officer Service says they’ve had reports of a bear out toward the Port Mellon area and have now received photographs confirming that it is a grizzly bear.
The last sighting was close to an urban near Reed Road, and Miller is warning people to avoid hiking on trails in the area of Reed and Payne Roads until they can learn more about the behavior of the bear.
He also says that in bear country it’s important to keep dogs on a lease when out walking.
Sergeant Miller says farmers should keep livestock close to barns, if not inside, and people should ensure fruit is picked.
He also warns people not to leave any attractants, such as garbage, outside to avoid habituating the bear.
Miller says if people see a bear they should contact the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
