Woman hospitalized after suspected black bear attack near Onion Lake Ski Trails

Woman hospitalized after suspected black bear attack near Onion Lake Ski Trails

Published 11:26 am Sunday, October 4, 2026

A woman remains in hospital with injuries after a bear attack near the Onion Lake Ski Trails on Saturday morning, Oct. 3.

“It was likely a surprise to the bear, and a defensive attack. After that it disengaged and left,” conservation officer Mike Geuze said.

The attack happened at about 10:30 a.m. in an area along the Lakelse Mainline near the turnoff for West Lake Recreation Site. Geuze said the area is popular with mushroom pickers, recreational walkers and dog walkers.

Conservation officers believe the animal involved was a black bear, but the investigation is continuing.

Geuze said multiple bears, likely a mother with cubs, ran past the woman. The last bear may have been spooked by a passing vehicle, although he said officers are still piecing together the circumstances because the investigation is in its early stages.

“We would like people to avoid that area for now,” Geuze said.

Signs have been placed in the area.

No traps have been set and conservation officers are not currently trying to capture the bear because the encounter is believed to have been defensive and consistent with natural bear behaviour.