Black bear attack injures hiker on Cumberland trail near Bevan Wetlands
A hiker was attacked by a black bear on July 19 near Bevan Wetlands after two hikers with off-leash dogs encountered a bear family.
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An injured hiker has been released from hospital after being attacked by a black bear on July 19 on a Cumberland trail near the Bevan Wetlands.
The attack occurred when two hikers retrieving their off-leash dogs encountered a family of black bears. According to the province's Conservation Officer Service, the attack was defensive in nature and no efforts will be made to locate or capture the bears. Warning signs have been placed near and along the trails as conservation officers continue monitoring bear activity in the area.
While black bear attacks are uncommon, they can be fatal. There is less than one fatal black bear attack on a human every three years, according to WildSafeBC. Risks include surprising a bear or encountering a food-habituated bear.
To stay bear-aware, look for signs of scat, tracks, overturned logs, or fresh claw marks on trees. While hiking, talk or sing to alert bears to your presence and avoid wearing headphones so you can hear your surroundings. Do not discard food and never hike alone. Keep pets on a leash or under control and carry bear spray in bear country. For wildlife contact information, visit WildSafeBC.com or call RAPP at 1-877-952-7277.
The facts
When did the bear attack happen?
The black bear attack occurred on July 19, 2026 on a Cumberland trail near Bevan Wetlands.
What caused the attack?
Two hikers with off-leash dogs encountered a family of black bears, triggering a defensive attack by the bears.
Will the bears be hunted down?
No. According to the province's Conservation Officer Service, the attack was defensive in nature and no efforts will be made to locate or capture the bears.
How common are fatal black bear attacks?
There is less than one fatal black bear attack on a human every three years, according to WildSafeBC.
