A man suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a grizzly bear encounter near Malakwa, east of Sicamous, late Tuesday, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
Conservation officers said they received a report at about 8 p.m. that a man hiking with his off-leash dog along the Queest Mountain Forest Service Road encountered a grizzly bear.
The bear chased the dog before making contact with the man, according to the Conservation Officer Service. The man received medical attention for his injuries.
Officers determined the encounter was defensive in nature and said no efforts will be made to capture or locate the bear.
Warning signs have been posted in the area and conservation officers will continue to monitor bear activity.
The Conservation Officer Service is urging people travelling in bear country to keep pets leashed and carry bear spray.
WildSafeBC recommends keeping pets leashed or under control in bear country and carrying bear spray where it can be quickly accessed.
Wildlife conflicts and aggressive bear behaviour can be reported to the Conservation Officer Service through the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
