A bear that has become a frequent visitor at Port Moody’s White Pine Beach has prompted officials to close the popular summer destination.
Metro Vancouver Regional District told Daily Hive that Parks staff have determined that the Belcarra Regional Park beach will remain closed until further notice due to bear activity in the area.
“Several bears in the area have become food-conditioned and attracted to the picnic area, where food is most frequently present,” said the Metro Vancouver spokesperson. “When bears become food conditioned, they can lose their fear of people, and this closure is meant to break the cycle of this bear frequenting the picnic area in search of food, protecting both the bear and beach visitors.”
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White Pine Beach was first closed on Saturday, July 26. Though the food ban that was put in place throughout the entirety of təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park has been lifted, a “no cooking” ban has been enacted as a preventative measure across the park.
Other areas in the park remain open, and visitors are urged to follow posted signs and closures in the park.
White Pine Beach (Metro Vancouver)
“Metro Vancouver is working closely with the Conservation Officer Service to monitor the situation and determine next steps,” added the spokesperson. “We do not have any further details about the bear, other than it was a black bear and interested in food brought to the park by members of the public.”
Metro Vancouver has several tips online on how to avoid run-ins with a bear and what to do if you encounter one. They also said that officials will announce on social media when it is safe to reopen White Pine Beach.