Overnight search for wounded bear in Coquitlam ends with creature shot, killed

PORT COQUITLAM, B.C. – An aggressive, injured bear has been shot and killed in a Vancouver suburb after roaming for hours through the neighbourhood.

RCMP Sgt. Grant Wong says police and conservation officers were called Thursday when the territorial bruin chased several people in a large wooded park bordering the Coquitlam River, about 30 kilometres east of Vancouver.

Wong says the bear then charged one of the conservation officers who fired one shot, likely injuring the animal before it fled into the bush.

Residents of a nearby Port Coquitlam subdivision were warned to keep doors closed and remain watchful for the wounded animal, while officers carrying shotguns patrolled the area.

Tracking dogs and conservation officers resumed the search at first light Friday, spotting the bear at about 6:45 a.m. and firing four shots, killing it.

An area of the park remains taped off while the carcass is removed. (News1130)