Saanich Police have issued a warning after a herd of sheep were attacked by a black bear.
The harrowing event occurred at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday July 26th, in the 4000 block of Prospect Lake Road.
According to police, a small herd of sheep fell victim to a bear attack.
A passerby, who happened to be in the vicinity, witnessed the black bear launching an assault on the unsuspecting sheep.
Acting swiftly, the person managed to scare the bear away, guiding it back into the nearby forested area. However, the confrontation resulted in one of the sheep sustaining injuries.
Video shows Saanich resident saving sheep from bear attack on Prospect Lake Road. One sheep was injured in the attack.
Video courtesy of @SaanichPolice pic.twitter.com/xy3LnT4dg6
— Victoria Buzz (@victoriabuzzes) July 27, 2023
Upon receiving the report, the owner of the farm was promptly informed, and Saanich Police were notified of the incident.
“Saanich Police are reminding those that have livestock in the area to be mindful,” said Constable Markus Anastasiades.
BC Conservation Officer Services were notified of the incident.
While bear sightings are not uncommon in the region, Anastasiades said this is the first reported incident in the area this month. As summer sets in, wildlife often ventures closer to residential areas in search of food and water. As a result, the risk of encounters with wild animals, such as bears, increases.
West Shore RCMP also issued a warning to residents after a family dog was attacked by a cougar in the Bear Mountain community yesterday.
A family dog was injured after it was attacked by a cougar in the backyard.
In an interview with Victoria Buzz, the dog owners said the pup Roxie is recovering after receiving emergency surgery.
The incident occurred in the 2200 block of Players Drive in Langford.
