News Flash

COQUITLAM, B.C., Sept. 3, 2020 – Do you know what to do if you come across a bear?

Coquitlam is offering bear safety tips to local trail users after a black bear recently approached a jogger on the Coquitlam Crunch trail. The Crunch trail north of Panorama Drive has been closed until further notice for the public’s protection (check www.coquitlam.ca/crunch for updates).

While it’s fortunate the jogger was not injured, the incident serves as a reminder that Coquitlam is bear country, and care should be taken in local natural areas and forests.

Preventative measures to avoid close encounters with wildlife include:  

• Making noise (talk or clap your hands) to alert bears of your approach, particularly near streams, waterfalls and when you can’t see far ahead;
• Avoiding hiking alone;
• Keeping dogs leashed;
• Actively watching and listening for bears and their signs, such as fresh tracks, droppings, overturned rocks, diggings or trampled vegetation;
• Leaving the area if you see bears in the distance; and
• Considering carrying and knowing how to safely use bear spray.

  If you do come across a bear, do not scream, yell or run away. Instead:

• Stay calm and go back the way you came;
• Talk in a low, calm voice while backing away slowly;
• Do not run;
• Make yourself look big;
• Do not linger or approach the bear for photos or to feed it; and
• Warn other people you encounter while leaving the area.

For more information about bear safety, visit www.coquitlam.ca/bearsmart. Tourism Coquitlam also provides helpful trail safety tips in the See & Do section at www.visitcoquitlam.ca.

Reporting Bear Conflicts

To report wildlife attractants such as garbage, improper storage of attractants or wildlife accessing attractants, call the City at 604-927-3500.

To report wildlife that is aggressive or causing property damage, call the Conservation Officer Service the 24/7 reporting line at 1-877-952-7277.