Photographer Says Dog Walker ‘Ignored’ Her Warning To Not Go Near Black Bear

A wildlife photographer based in Whistler, British Columbia was shocked and saddened when a woman and her dog approached a young black bear even after being warned. Natalie Wannamaker was taking photographs in the area when she warned the woman to avoid a small black bear that was foraging a few feet away on a popular walking trail.

Wannamaker told CTV News it made her very sad to see the dog walker ignore her warning. She said the woman’s actions endangered not only herself but her dog, the bear and other people in the area. Wannamaker says the dog walker forced an encounter that wasn’t necessary. Thankfully, the bear was eating berries and was curious not aggressive. The bear simply sniffed the dog before walking away.

Wannamaker is sharing the encounter to warn others to respect wildlife and take the necessary bear safety precautions.

The website Bearwise recommends the following tips when out walking your dog in bear country:

• Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash at all times.
• Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
• Stay alert; music and phones are distracting.
• Avoid walking at dawn, dusk or at night in areas with known bear activity.
• If you see a bear, turn around and leave.
• Don’t let your dog bark at, harass, chase, or corner a bear.
• If your dog gets into a fight with a bear, don’t try to rescue it. You will get injured. Instead, use your bear spray.