Jogger victim of defensive bear attack in Salmon Arm

The woman jogging in Salmon Arm who was attacked by a bear yesterday was the victim of a surprise defensive attack.

The woman was running on a trail near 50 Avenue SW in southwest Salmon Arm at around 11 a.m. yesterday, Nov. 21, when a black bear knocked her down, then bit and shook her before leaving the area, according to a BC Conservation Officer Service media release. The attack happened near private property which includes farmland.

She was taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Conservation officers canvassed the attack site, examined the physical evidence and interviewed the victim to determine the bear was likely startled and reacted defensively before running away.

The risk to pubic safety is low so the conservation service won’t try to catch or kill the bear.

Signage remains up in the area of the attack and conservation officers will continue to monitor for bear activity.

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