Conservation officers are investigating after a woman was attacked by a black bear in Whistler’s Kadenwood neighbourhood on Monday night.
The woman was walking her leashed dog around 8:30 p.m. when a bear knocked her to the ground and bit her. She was transported by ambulance to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Conservation officers, along with police, firefighters, and paramedics, responded to the scene. Officers searched the area and located a black bear nearby. Due to public safety concerns, the bear was euthanized.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) thanked their emergency response partners for their assistance and said the investigation remains ongoing. Officials are reminding the public to review safety guidelines for wildlife encounters. More information can be found on the COS website.
Joe Taylor says
Why couldn’t the bear have been relocated to a different location far away from Whistler?
Georgette Barney says
Personal Statement:
Our animals are slowly depleting, water levels are lowering, and our land-based medicines are no longer what they used to be.
I’m just a youth, but I believe it’s important to speak up about how we treat wildlife in our territory — especially after the recent incident involving a mother bear and a community member.
While the situation was frightening and safety is a priority, it’s also important to understand that the bear may have simply been acting out of instinct to protect her cubs.
From what I saw in the news, the woman was walking her dog in a forested area when the attack occurred. This matters because the forest is the bear’s home, and a mother protecting her young may react defensively when surprised.
It’s important to recognize that this was likely just the bear’s motherly instincts kicking in — not an act of aggression, but rather a defensive response to protect her cubs- as any mother would do.
If that’s the case, then having the bear euthanized may not have been the right solution. Defensive behavior in the wild is natural — not aggressive or dangerous unless it continues. Taking a life, even of an animal, should never be the first step when other options exist.
I’m unaware if this kind of encounter has happened multiple times with this bear, but if it was a one-time incident rooted in protection, we need to consider that before making any final decisions.
I’m very glad the woman and her dog are okay. No one wants to see anyone harmed, and safety will always be important. But I also believe we can protect people and still respect the natural balance of the land.
I may be young, but I care deeply about our land, our people, and the animals that live here.
We must make decisions that honor both safety and our connection to the land and its creatures.
We need to heal the land in order to heal ourselves.