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Department of Environment Warning Public of Bear Incident

Thursday, 23 July 2020 15:27

Yukon conservation officers responded to a bear incident that happened off Takhini Hot Springs Road around 4 p.m., July 19th. The bear chased the child until the mother was able to intercept and get between the bear and her child. The family dog chased the bear away.

Yukon’s Department of Environment is warning the public about a bear encounter in the Takhini Hot Springs area.

On July 19th, Yukon conservation officers responded to a bear incident that happened off Takhini Hot Springs Road around 4 p.m. A child playing in the yard saw a sub-adult black bear close by, yelled and ran towards his mother who was outside with the child.

The bear chased the child until the mother was able to intercept and get between the bear and her child. The family dog chased the bear away allowing the mother and child to get safely into the house. Conservation officers attended the scene, searched for the bear and are continuing to investigate the reason for the bear’s behavior.

The offending bear could not be located so conservation officers have set up a trap on the property. Conservation officers continue to patrol the area and monitor the scene. Neighbours have been warned to take all precautions, including keeping children close, carrying bear spray and securing attractants and livestock.

There is no additional information at this time and the investigation is still ongoing. Conservation officers are holding a bear safety information session for residents of the area to teach them how to respond to a bear encounter. Additional sessions, open to the general public will be held online and in person over the next few weeks.

Predatory attacks by bears are rare, but it’s a reminder that bear conflicts can happen anywhere in Yukon. Bears that have been habituated to the presence of humans may act in a manner that is more bold.

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