South Okanagan conservation officers investigate possible bear attack on KVR trail

PENTICTON – Residents of the South Okanagan community of Kaleden are being warned to be on the lookout after a bear reportedly attacked a dog this morning.

Penticton conservation officer Sgt. James Zucchelli says his office received a call at around 11 a.m today, July 25, of a black bear attacking a dog on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail between Banbury Green Campground and Sickle Point in Kaleden.

Zucchelli says patrols were conducted up and down the trail but they were unable to confirm a bear attack.

He said the information came from second and third hand sources. There were no direct witnesses, but an injured dog was found and a bear was seen in the area. However, no attractants or signs of a bear were found in the area.

Zucchelli said the dog was unaccompanied and was found by bystanders who took possession of the animal until the owners could be notified.

Banbury Green Campground manager Adele Dewar posted a message about the incident on social media. She said in a Facebook message two campers at the park heard a dog in distress while walking the trail this morning.

The dog was brought back to the campground where it was treated for its wounds before being taken to the vet. The extent of the dog’s injuries is unknown.

Zucchelli urges area residents to be aware of the possibility of a bear in the area, with a mind to controlling attractants. He is asking anyone who sees a bear to call the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

“The lesson to take from this is to keep control of your dog,” he says. “Keep your dog under a leash, or at least under control. It’s an offence for a dog to chase wildlife."

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