NANAIMO — Full access is restored around Westwood Lake Park, following a temporary bear-related closure.
A southeastern portion of the trail was closed Tuesday, June 2, after a father and his children were “bluff charged” by the aggressive black bear.
City staff confirmed to NanaimoNewsNOW the trail reopened during the afternoon of Thursday, June 4, although manager of parks operations Kirsty MacDonald said caution is still advised.
“The City of Nanaimo will continue to remain in close communication with the Conservation Service to monitor any potential future needs to reduce park access due to Wildlife Activity. Park users should continue to exercise caution when accessing Westwood Lake Park and any park that exhibits bear signage at trailheads.”
A portion of Westwood Lake Park perimeter trail at the southeast side of the lake near the lookout bluff (pictured above) had been temporarily closed. (Image Credit: Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)
Other reports relayed by the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) stated the bear had not been responsive to hazing efforts from people who spotted the bear on Westwood Lake’s trails during daytime sightings.
No further interactions between the bear and the public have been reported since Tuesday.
Additional signage was posted both along the trail and in the parking lot of Westwood Lake Park.
Both the City and BCCOS are advising extra awareness when out on area trails and being familiar with best practices for wildlife encounters.
Those include travelling in groups, leashing pets, and carrying bear spray.
More information regarding interactions with bears is available here.
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