qathet Regional District (qRD) is reopening Haywire Bay Regional Park and campground after conservation officers deemed the park safe for the public on August 24.
The recreational facility had been closed after an aggressive bear attack on August 22.
“We thank our conservation officers for their quick response to protect public safety,” stated qRD manager of operational services Patrick Devereaux in a media release. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation and are happy to welcome back campers.”
“If you are recreating in bear country, remember to take precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and carry and know how to use bear spray,” stated Clay Brander, regional board chair. “We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to do their part to prevent human-wildlife conflicts by responsibly managing wildlife attractants, such as bird feeders, barbecues, fruits, and refuse.”
A group of children were playing in a field at Haywire Bay about noon on Tuesday when a bear came onto the field. Conservation officers shot and killed the black bear that chased and then stood over a five-year-old child.
The BC Conservation Officer Service said the bear approached the children, who ran away. One child tripped and fell. “The bear went on top of the child,” the Conservation Officer Service said in a Facebook post, but was “quickly scared away by nearby camp counsellors. The child received minor injuries that did not require medical attention.”
Conservation officers and RCMP immediately responded and did a sweep of the area, but no bears were found.
According to a Facebook post from Haywire Bay caretakers Wendy and Jack Paterson, there was an aggressive bear issue at the Powell Lake Outdoor Learning Centre on August 22.
The Patersons stated that traps had been set by the Conservation Office Service, but the park was closed until further notice.
“In line with the recommendations of the conservation officer, Haywire Bay campground is being closed to ensure the safety of campground guests and staff,” stated Devereaux, in a media release on August 23. “We will continue to monitor the area, and remind everyone to responsibly manage any wildlife attractants.”
Day-use visitors were restricted from entering the area, and were advised to seek alternative outdoor recreation locations in the region, according to the release. Group site reservations will be refunded and signage was placed at the campground entrance advising of the closure.
“We do not take these situations lightly, and we recognize and regret any inconvenience that this closure causes,” stated Brander in the August 23 media release. “The qathet region is home to an abundance of wildlife and as such, we have to take the necessary steps to prevent these potentially high-risk situations that can endanger both humans and wildlife.”
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