For the second time in less than a week, a warning has been issued after bear activity in Prince George, but this one was not something you see every day.
The Northern Bear Awareness Society says, on Saturday (June 13), a vehicle was allegedly chasing a bear in the residential area of Wildwood/Sussex Lane while also using bear spray.
"While your intentions were probably well-meant, this action could have forced the bear into a yard where an aggressive encounter was reported," a social media post reads.
"The use of bear spray in a residential area is not recommended unless the situation calls for its' use to protect an individual(s). The effective range of spray is around 20-25 feet and the dispersal cloud can drift and affect others in the area."
The society explains that 'shepherding' is a term used to move a bear from a certain area and only should be done by experienced, trained individuals.
"Please, for the safety of yourself and others do not take this course of action," the post continued.
"Chasing bears with vehicles and bear spray through residential neighbourhoods is highly risky, not just for yourself but the other residents as well."
If you see a bear in your area, the society says you should inform your neighbours and not to chase it as a hazardous situation could be created if the bear doesn't have a clear route of escape back into green space.
When reached for comment, BC Conservation Officer Service spokesperson Eamon McArthur says the incident is still under investigation.
This past Friday (June 12), a black bear killed a dog at Forests For The World after a man was walking his dog near the lookout tower when it ran into the bushes and was chased by the bear.
There have been no other sightings of the bear and it did not show any initial aggression to the owner and the dog.
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