The District of North Saanich is advising residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions after a black bear was sighted in the northern part of the community.
A resident captured video footage of the bear near West Saanich Road and Tatlow Road around noon on Tuesday, May 20 and shared it on a Facebook community group. The bear then reportedly moved towards the intersection of West Saanich Road and Laurel Lane.
Dawn Smith, a Sidney resident, was driving on the same road when she spotted the bear.
"I drove closer to get a better photo of the bear, and then I saw a lady walking further down," she said. "I wondered if I should honk the horn to encourage the bear to leave."
Smith said the lady stopped by the roadside and waited until the bear crossed the road in front of her and disappeared in the bush.
"She thanked me a couple of times. She seemed relieved," she added.
Residents believe this is the same lone black bear that was seen in downtown Sidney on Victoria Day Monday.
That sighting occurred around 10:40 a.m. near Patricia Place, across from Melville Park. The bear was then seen heading towards the Blue Heron campground around 11 a.m. before proceeding along Wain Road in the direction of Horth Hill.
Following Tuesday's sighting, the district issued a reminder to residents, urging them to be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate safety measures while outdoors.
Central Saanich residents also reported seeing a black bear wandering through backyards. Police said they received at least four calls about the black bear in the last two weeks.
Peninsula News Review contacted local wildlife groups to check if the black bears reported across the Peninsula were the same, but has yet to get confirmation.
According to Wild Safe BC, in case of an unexpected bear encounter, remain calm and do not run or climb a tree. Slowly back away while speaking in a quiet, monotone voice – no screaming and turn your back, kneel, or make direct eye contact. Keep your distance. Do not try to get closer. If the bear approaches, use pepper spray (within 7 metres) or another means to threaten or distract it.
To report any aggressive or threatening bear behaviour, contact B.C. Conservation Officer Service's RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.
For further information on bear safety, residents are advised to visit the BC government website: If You See a Bear at www2/gov.bc.ca.
