A woman was injured in a bear attack Tuesday morning in Pemberton, British Columbia, after she startled a black bear while walking her dog. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on her rural property, where she was walking her dog off-leash in an area of tall grass.

The bear bit and scratched the woman before it disengaged. She received medical treatment for her injuries, which were not life-threatening. Fortunately, her dog was unharmed. When conservation officers arrived at the scene, the bear had already left the area.

An investigation revealed that the attack was likely defensive. The bear was probably startled by the unexpected encounter with the woman and her dog in the dense grass and brush. Prior to this incident, there had been no reports of aggressive bear behavior in the vicinity.

Given the nature of the attack and the rural setting, conservation officials have decided not to pursue any capture or lethal measures against the bear. The agency, which oversees natural resource law enforcement and manages human-wildlife conflicts, is urging the public to take precautions to avoid similar encounters.

They recommend making noise while walking in bear-prone areas, being aware of one’s surroundings, and keeping pets leashed. The Conservation Officer Service will continue to monitor bear activity in the region and will respond as needed to ensure public safety.

Residents are encouraged to report any bear conflicts or aggressive behavior to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.