Latest news with #bearencounter
CTV News
4 days ago
- CTV News
Parks Canada warns to be aware, prepared for wildlife in wake of Waterton Lakes National Park incident
If you're heading to the mountains this weekend, Parks Canada officials are advising you to be aware of, and to plan for, wildlife. If you're heading to the mountains this weekend, officials are advising you to be aware of, and to plan for, wildlife. The reminder comes following a recent bear encounter in Waterton Lakes National Park that resulted in a black bear being euthanized. Parks Canada says the bear showed unusual and aggressive behaviour toward humans near the Cameron Lakeshore Trail on May 24. The following day, Parks Canada located the bear and made the decision to euthanize it. Parks Canada says human and wildlife safety is of the utmost importance. Parks Canada encourages visitors to build their knowledge on how to safely enjoy bear country. 'It's very important to be prepared with knowledge on how to respond when you encounter bears and also tools such as bear spray to use in the unlikely situation where you might need to deploy it,' said Kimberly Pearson, Waterton Lakes National Park resource conservation manager. 'So, be prepared with information, check in with trail reports—with the visitor centre, we have notices on whether there are any closures or cautions with wildlife.' She says to also keep food and garbage secure and never feed wildlife.
CTV News
29-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
B.C. woman reunited with goats after unexpected encounter with bear
Adam finds out what happed after a group of miniature goats were scared by one big bear. METCHOSIN, B.C. — Hounaida Bellasfar was preparing to go for a walk with her dogs when they were startled by a bear in their yard. 'He was right there,' Hounaida points. 'I was screaming from the bottom of my heart, and he didn't want to move.' The bear looked at the dogs before standing up on its hind legs. 'I was really scared,' Hounaida says. 'He was taller than me.' But Hounaida and the dogs kept making noise for almost an hour, until the bear eventually retreated into the woods. 'My dogs followed him all the way up there,' Hounaida says, pointing the forested hill behind her home. The dogs eventually came back. But when Hounaida returned home, there was no sign of her goats. 'I took my car, and I drove and I called their name.' Hounaida says the 11 miniature goats, including moms and babies, were all wearing bells around their necks. 'I never heard them.' She searched for them everywhere, for hours, but they were gone. 'It was horrible,' Hounaida says. Because these weren't just any goats, they were family — especially Nara. 'She was rejected by her mom,' Hounaida says. 'So, I needed to raise her with a bottle.' Nara and Hounaida were inseparable. When they weren't watching TV together on the couch, or going for rides in the car, the goat would go for hikes with the dogs. 'So, she thinks I'm her mom,' Hounaida laughs. There was still no sign of the goats the next morning and Hounaida couldn't help but think about her work as a grief recovery specialist. 'Instead of panicking and anticipating the negative, just keep being positive,' Hounaida says. 'And trust that your prayer will be answered.' Almost 24 hours later, it was. A neighbour spotted the goats acres away and Hounaida rushed to retrieve them. 'Oh my god! It was amazing!' Hounaida smiles. 'I said, 'Babies!' They were stuck, but when they saw me, they came running!' While Hounaida is unsure if goats fled after being scared by the bear's arrival, or by all the noise being made before it's departure, there is no doubt she couldn't be more grateful that she never gave up hope and her furry family is reunited. 'They are my babies,' she smiles, before picking up a baby and kissing its head. 'They are not goats!'
The Independent
29-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Could you survive a bear attack? It might depend on the species
A woman is in critical condition after being attacked by a bear on the outskirts of a forest in Slovenia. Local authorities have issued warnings, advising residents to be cautious and steer clear of the area. The incident raises an important question: How should one respond to a bear encounter or attack? According to the U.S. National Park Service, understanding bear behaviour is crucial and could be life-saving. Bears are unlikely to attack humans without reason, typically doing so only when they feel threatened, are protecting their young, or perceive a person as a potential food source. While every encounter is different, charges can typically be sorted into two categories: bluff and aggressive. Bluff Charges Bluff charges are more common and aim to scare or intimidate. The park service says that when a bear bluff charges, it will usually have its head and ears up and forward, it will puff itself to look bigger, and bound on its front paws toward you, moving in big leaps before stopping short or veering off to one side. So what should you do? In this situation, regardless of the bear type, you should slowly back away while waving your arms above your head, and speak in a calm voice. When the bear charges you, hold your ground and stay calm, and only when it stops should you slowly retreat. Whatever you do, don't run off during a bluff charge. Aggressive Charges Aggressive charges are cause for concern. The park service says warning signs of an aggressive charge may be when a bear yawns or clacks their teeth, pounds their front paws on the ground while huffing, has its head down and ears pointed back. Be ready to protect and defend yourself. But at this point, it's important to distinguish what kind of bear you're up against. Black bear If a black bear charges and attacks you, your best option is to stand your ground and fight back. 'Do not play dead. Direct punches and kicks at the bear's face, and use any weapon like rocks, branches, or bear spray to defend yourself,' the park service suggests. But they are agile and adept at climbing trees, so on no account ascend the branches to evade them. Hopefully, this will alarm the bear into a retreat. Brown bear If a grizzly or brown bear charges and attacks you, play dead. Panicking or screaming will alarm the bear and cause it to attack. 'Cover your head and neck with your hands and arms. Lay flat on your stomach, and spread your legs apart. Keep your pack on, it will help protect you during an attack. Stay still and don't make any noise,' it said. 'Fighting back during an attack from a grizzly/brown bear will usually worsen the attack, but if the attack persists, then fight back with everything you have.' As polar bears are driven inland as a result of climate change melting the sea ice, encounters with the largest land carnivore on earth are increasingly likely. And while intimidation tactics might work, you won't have a lot of options. Best to avoid the scenario at all costs if you can help it.
