Bear that bit girl showed signs of being habituated to humans: BC COS

Conservation officers continue to search a North Vancouver park Sunday after a black bear bit a 10-year-old girl Friday afternoon.

The girl was taken to hospital after she encountered the bear on the Rice Lake Loop while walking with her parents. A bystander scared the bear away, and the park will be closed for at least five days while officers look for the bear.

The BC Conservation Officer Service says it’s received tips about several sightings of the bear in the area. Officers have noted there’s food and garbage in the park, and they believe the bear is showing signs it was food-conditioned and habituated to humans.

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They’re reminding people using Metro Vancouver’s parks and trails this summer to secure food and other bear attractants, and to walk in groups and make noise to dissuade bears from approaching. The BC COS added it’s a good idea to carry bear spray as well.

People should never feed or approach bears, the service added.