iN VIDEO: Grizzly bear wanders through North Okanagan yard

A grizzly bear has been spotted near Armstrong in the Mt. Rose Swanson area.

The Armstrong Spallumcheen Trails Society posted a video of the bear wandering through someone's yard at the end of Wallbridge Road.

"This bear doesn't appear to be that old and is in good shape," the trails society posted to social media. "With the cool, wet spring there is a pretty good berry crop out there so hopefully this bear is well fed and people leave it alone so it can stay out of trouble."
The society says the last grizzly sighting on the mountain was in 2020, but grizzly bears are increasing in number as they reclaim some of their former range after being hunted extensively in the past.

The trails society says the video was taken sometime this month.

"Please be careful when recreating on the mountain. Pack everything out so as not to create any attractants. Travel in groups and make noise so bears know that you are coming. They would rather avoid you then confront you," the society posted.

The outdoor organization goes on to say it's important to keep dogs on a leash as dogs as they will often chase bears "but then come back to you for protection, bringing the bear with them."

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