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Bear chases runner into Ridgemont area

Black bear chased runner earlier this month. WildSafeBC urges trail users to use precaution and be on the lookout for wildlife.
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Hikers and bikers are asked to use caution when using the trails and keep on the lookout for wildlife.

A small black bear chased a runner from close to R Trail into Ridgemont neighbourhood on Aug. 7. The bear was last seen heading towards the Kush trail after the runner was helped by a passing truck in Ridgemont.

“The bear pretty much running behind the runner probably about 10 to 15 ft. Not chasing, but just kind of almost like running along with the runner. She saw the bear round about the Four Corners, and then she ended up running along R Trail, said Kathy Murray of WildSafeBC.

"“The bear ran along with her for about 20 minutes. At some stage during the run, she did trip and fall, but the bear was a little ways behind her so she did have time to kind of get up and carry on.”

Murray wants to remind trail users to use caution and be aware of wildlife when using the trail systems.

“We have more and more people using the trails and we are trying to remind people to travel in groups and to look ahead, which is especially important when you’re approaching corners, where the line sight is poor, and to make noise to warn animals of your presence and other trail users,” she said.

Another precaution is to carry bear spray, and to know how to properly use it, as a “last best defense”. If you encounter a bear, Murray says the best thing to do is to remain calm, make yourself known as a human and not prey, and to leave the bear an escape route.

The runner did drop her daypack along R Trail. If it is found, please return it to the RCMP.