Port Hardy residents are being warned by the B.C. Conservation Officer Service after a man had an unspecified encounter with an “aggressive” black bear in the north Island town.
“Port Hardy residents are accustomed to bears wandering through town but this bear was unusually aggressive, so the public should maintain safe distances from bears at all times,” the service said in a Facebook post.
The post said the incident happened in the area of Market and Granville streets early Friday and the man was able to get to safety with help from RCMP officers.
Conservation officers have since been in Port Hardy talking to municipal officials and posting signs.
Safety measures regarding black bears include travelling in groups, making noise and carrying bear spray, the service said.