Whistler woman attacked, bitten by black bear: COS

The BC Conservation Officer Service says a woman in Whistler was taken to hospital after being attacked and bitten by a black bear while walking her dog on Monday night.

In a post to social media, the COS says the woman was walking with her “leashed” dog around 8:30 p.m. in the Kadenwood neighbourhood, near Whistler Creekside, when she was knocked to the ground and bitten.

“She was transported by ambulance and received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries,” the COS said.

“Conservation Officers responded to the scene alongside police, firefighters, and paramedics. CO’s conducted a sweep of the attack site and located a black bear nearby, which matched witness descriptions of the offending animal.”

The COS says the bear was killed due to public safety concerns.

The BC COS is urging people to familiarize themselves again with safety precautions in case of wildlife encounters as the weather warms up.