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A black bear has been euthanized near Powell River after an incident involving a five-year-old boy.
According to the B.C. Conservation Officers Service, at around noon on Tuesday Aug. 22 a group of children were playing tag in a field in the Haywire Bay RegionalPark east of Powell River as part of a Powell River Outdoor Learning Centre program when a bear came onto the field.
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“The bear began approaching children and as they were running away, one child tripped and fell,” the COS statement read.
“The bear went on top of the child and was quickly scared away by nearby camp counsellors. The child received minor injuries that did not require medical attention.
“Conservation Officers and RCMP were called and began a sweep of the area searching for the bear.
“In consultation with the City of Powell River, Qathet Regional District and Recreation Sites and Trails B.C., the camp and surrounding area, including nearby trails and campgrounds, were closed and signage installed.
“Conservation officers returned to the site (Wednesday) morning as efforts to locate the bear continued. One black bear in the vicinity of the site, which matched witness descriptions and began approaching officers, was put down by conservation officers. No other bears were seen during a sweep of the area.”
The area will remain closed on Thursday as officials continue to work in the area.
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