Four bear sightings reported on Sea Island
Reported sightings of a black bear on Sea Island have jumped to four in the past three weeks, according to a city spokesperson.
Kim Decker said in each sighting, the bear was spotted in the Sea Island Conservation Area, located next to McDonald Beach Park.
"Apparently there's still lots of food out there in the conservation area as far as berries and things go, but there hasn't been any sightings this week. We don't know if the bear is still there or not so we'll continue to monitor the situation," said Decker.
Signs at the park warning of a possible bear in the area remain posted.
B.C. Ministry of Environment conservation officer David Cox told The Richmond Review last week that dog owners visiting the park should keep their pets leashed for the time being.
An off-leash dog is likely to chase a bear, which might flee at first, but could later attack the dog or chase it back to its owner. Cox said a leashed dog is more likely to scare the bear away by its barking.
If the bear is still on the island, Cox said it's in an area where it will "probably have a challenge getting out on its own means" and may require relocation by conservation officers.
McDonald Beach Park, located on the northern edge of Sea Island, is a popular draw for dog owners because of its off-leash dog park.
Anyone who spots a bear can report it by calling the conservation officer hotline at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277)—or #7277 on a cell phone.
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