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A woman sustained injuries and required emergency airlift to hospital after a bear attacked her during a backcountry hiking trip near Whistler, British Columbia, on Friday evening.
Bear Encounter Near Conflict Lake
The incident occurred at approximately 5 p.m. when a group of three hikers came across two bears near Conflict Lake in the Callaghan Conservancy. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service confirmed the encounter in a social media post published Saturday afternoon. One of the bears attacked the woman before breaking off and retreating.
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Emergency responders, including the Conservation Officer Service’s Predator Attack Team, Squamish RCMP, and Squamish Search and Rescue, deployed to the area by helicopter. First responders treated the woman at the scene before airlifting her to hospital. Officials described her injuries as non-life-threatening.
Bear Killed at Attack Site
Conservation officers located an adult male black bear at the attack site and killed it due to safety concerns. However, authorities have not yet confirmed whether a black bear or a grizzly bear carried out the actual attack on the woman. The distinction remains a key focus of the ongoing investigation.
Officers returned to the Callaghan Conservancy area on Saturday to continue gathering evidence and assessing the situation. The investigation is still active, and officials have not released further details about the circumstances that led to the encounter.
Trail Closure Remains in Effect
Authorities have closed trail access in the area surrounding the attack site. Officials are urging the public to avoid the zone entirely while the investigation continues. The bear attack near Whistler has prompted concern among local hikers and outdoor enthusiasts familiar with the backcountry region.
The Callaghan Conservancy is a popular destination for backcountry recreation in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Residents and visitors planning outdoor activities in the region should monitor updates from the B.C. Conservation Officer Service before entering any backcountry trails near the affected area.
