Officials in Nova Scotia say they’ve conducted a “thorough investigation” into a reported bear attack on a Halifax-area trail, and concluded the incident “was not a bear or wildlife attack.”
The Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) closed a section of the Shearwater Flyer trail Monday after receiving an “unconfirmed” report of a bear attack.
The trail winds through the communities of Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and is popular for hikers and cyclists.
At the time, DNRR said it had set up live bear traps and would be checking for evidence of an attack.
DNRR spokesperson Erin Lynch said Tuesday that the department’s investigation had concluded.
“DNRR set up an incident management team, including staff, conservation officers, a DNRR helicopter, and partnered with local law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the matter and no confirming evidence was found at the scene,” Lynch wrote in a statement.
“The bear traps are being removed, and the trail will be reopened by 3 p.m.”
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Lynch went on to say the department cannot “speculate on what may or may not have happened outside of a potential wildlife attack.”
RCMP confirmed officers and EHS responded to a report just after 7:30 a.m. Monday from a man who said he had been attacked by a bear on the trail in the early morning hours.
RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Carlie McCann said the man had non-life-threatening injuries and the case was referred to the DNRR for further investigation.
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“Police do not believe that criminality was a factor in how this man sustained the injuries, and the police investigation concluded with the referral on August 26 to DNRR,” McCann wrote in an email.
“The investigation can be reopened if police receive new information.”
Bear safety
Victor Henrikson, the chief trail steward with the Cole Harbour Parks & Trails Association, told Global News on Monday that bear sightings aren’t uncommon in the area.
He said it was important for visitors and users to know what to do if they encounter a bear, in order to de-escalate a dangerous situation.
“The biggest thing is to act big, there is no use trying to run … the bear can run much faster than you. It can climb trees, and they can swim,” he said.
“I do carry spray, and I do carry a knife, and I have a whistle in my pocket.”
Anyone who does see bear activity can contact DNRR at 1-800-565-2224.
— with a file from Global News’ Ella MacDonald
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