Salmon Arm urges caution after bear with cubs sighted in Little Mountain trail area

Aug 24, 2026 | 1:08 PM

Salmon Arm, B.C. — The City of Salmon Arm is urging hikers to use caution along the Little Mountain trail system after a bear and cubs were spotted in the area.

“Residents are reminded that we live in bear country and should always remain aware when enjoying local parks, trails, and natural areas,” said the City of Salmon Arm.

“Residents can also help reduce human-bear conflicts by securing garbage, removing attractants, cleaning barbecue grease traps, picking fruit promptly, and bringing pet food indoors. Bears that gain access to human food sources are more likely to return to neighbourhoods and trails.”

WildSafeBC said anyone visiting the outdoors where bear encounters are possible should take several safety measures into consideration:

Watch for bear signs, be aware of your surroundings and avoid wearing headphones.
Talk or sing to avoid surprising a bear.
Avoid hiking alone.
Keep pets leashed.
Carry bear spray and keep it easily accessible.
If you see a carcass, leave the area and contact the BC Conservation Officer Service (1-877-952-7277) and/or the landowner.

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WildSafe said bears will get particularly defensive when they percieve a potential threat to their cubs.

“A defensive bear attack is usually a result of a surprise encounter where a bear is protecting itself, its food source or its cubs,” said WildSafe BC

The warning comes two bear attacks in Salmon Arm’s Shuswap Memorial Cemetery Trails area earlier this summer — one on June 21, and another on July 7.

Including those two, the Conservation Officer Service reported eight bear attacks across B.C. since late June, including a black bear mauling a three-year-old girl in Maple Ridge.

by Elora McCormack

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Salmon Arm urges caution after bear with cubs sighted in Little Mountain trail area

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