Off-leash dog leads to defensive bear attack near Salmon Arm trail

A woman suffered minor injuries after being attacked by a black bear near a Salmon Arm trail Sunday morning in what conservation officers say was a defensive encounter triggered after her off-leash dog chased a cub up a tree.

The incident happened around 10 a.m. in the Shuswap Memorial Cemetery Trails area. According to the BC Conservation Officer Service, the woman and her dog came across a sow and cub while walking through the wooded trail network.

Officials say the dog pursued the cub, prompting the adult bear to attack. The bear left the area shortly afterward, allowing the woman to make her way back to the trailhead. She was taken to hospital by ambulance and later released.

Conservation officers searched the area but did not find the bears. Their investigation determined the attack was defensive in nature, meaning no effort will be made to track down or destroy the animals.