Tag Archives: nature

Hiking to lose Weight

May 13, 2015Buntzen Lake Blog, Stories & Photosbody, buntzen lake, diet, exercise, fit, fitness, health, healthy, hike, hiking, loss, nature, weight, workoutadmin

Hiking became an important part of getting fitter and losing weight for me. When I started, I weighed about 240 lb (109 kg). Over time, I reached about 170 lb (77 kg).

I did not begin with difficult mountain hikes. I started by walking approximately 5 km on relatively flat trails about three times a week. I timed some of my walks, tracked my progress, and gradually moved on to longer and more challenging hikes.

A personal experience: What follows is what helped me. Weight management is individual, and factors such as health conditions, medications, sleep, stress, and nutrition can all play a role. If you are making major changes to your activity level or diet, particularly if you have a medical condition, consider speaking with a health professional or registered dietitian.

My Before and After

How I Got Started

For me, consistency was more important than trying to do too much too soon. Walking was a manageable starting point, and as my fitness improved I gradually added hills, longer distances, and more challenging hikes.

Start easy. If you have not been active for a while, begin with shorter, relatively flat walks and build from there.
Increase gradually. Add distance, elevation, or pace a little at a time rather than increasing everything at once.
Track your activity. Distance, time, route, and frequency can help you see progress. I have used MapMyFitness to record my workouts.
Find activities you actually enjoy. Hiking worked for me because I wanted to keep doing it.
Consider a hiking or walking partner. Having someone else involved can make it easier to stay consistent.
Add strength training. Stronger legs, core, and upper body can improve both general fitness and hiking ability.
Allow time for recovery. Rest, sleep, and easier days are part of improving fitness.

For someone looking for a relatively easy walk at Buntzen Lake, the Energy Trail can be a good place to start.

Eating Habits That Helped Me

Exercise was only part of the equation for me. I also became much more aware of what I was eating and drinking.

Some of the habits I found useful were:

Making water my main drink.
Cutting back substantially on sugary drinks.
Eating more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and protein-rich foods.
Choosing foods that helped me feel satisfied rather than simply eating the lowest-calorie option available.
Keeping nutritious snacks available when I knew I would be hungry.
Eating nuts and nut butters in reasonable portions. They can be filling, but they are also energy-dense.
Cooking at home more often and eating restaurant meals less frequently.
Using herbs, spices, mustard, lemon, and hot sauce to add flavour without relying heavily on rich sauces.
Reading nutrition labels rather than assuming that a product labelled “low fat” or “healthy” is necessarily a better choice.
Being aware of portion size, particularly with calorie-dense foods.
Limiting alcohol.

Cutting Back on Added Sugar

One of the biggest changes for me was reducing the amount of sugar I was drinking and eating. Sugary beverages are particularly easy to consume without feeling very full.

Foods and drinks I became more conscious of included:

soft drinks and other sugar-sweetened beverages;
sweetened coffee drinks;
fruit juice;
candy and chocolate;
cookies, cakes, pastries, and doughnuts;
syrups, jams, and sweet spreads;
sweetened breakfast cereals;
ice cream and other desserts; and
sauces and condiments that contain substantial added sugar.

This does not mean that every food containing sugar needs to be eliminated. For me, the bigger improvement came from recognizing the foods and drinks that contributed a lot of sugar and calories without adding much nutritional value.

Motivation and Consistency

The difficult part was not knowing that exercise and healthier eating were useful. The difficult part was sticking with them.

I found that setting small challenges worked better than thinking only about the final goal.

One example was sweetened coffee drinks. Rather than telling myself I could never have one again, I challenged myself to go without them for one month. One month eventually became three. Reaching that small goal gave me confidence that I could change other habits as well.

A challenge does not have to involve food. It could be:

walking 1, 2, or 3 km every day;
completing three walks each week for a month;
gradually improving your walking pace;
trying a new trail;
adding regular strength training; or
reducing the amount of time spent sitting.

Tracking Progress

I found it motivating to record my walks and hikes and watch my fitness improve. If you choose to track body weight as well, use a consistent approach. Body weight naturally fluctuates from day to day, so the overall trend is more useful than any single measurement.

Progress can also show up in other ways: walking farther, climbing hills more comfortably, recovering faster, sleeping better, or simply having more energy.

What I Learned

The biggest lesson for me was that I did not need to begin as a strong hiker. I needed to begin with something I could actually sustain.

A 5 km walk eventually became longer walks. Longer walks became hikes. The hikes became more challenging, and the improvements in fitness gave me more confidence to keep going.

Hiking was not a quick fix. It became part of my lifestyle, and that made the difference.

Current Canadian guidance: Adults are encouraged to accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week and include regular muscle-strengthening activity. Canada’s Food Guide emphasizes vegetables and fruit, whole grains, protein foods, water, and limiting highly processed foods and sugary drinks.

Lakeview Trail

April 26, 2014Buntzen Lake Hikesbuntzen lake, hike, Lakeview Trail, nature, scenic, Swan Fallsadmin

Lakeview Trail is one of my favourite alternatives to the regular Buntzen Lake Loop. I think of it as the Buntzen Lake Trail’s bigger brother: it follows the western side of the lake but adds more climbing, more elevation changes, quieter forest, and a much more rugged feel.

My usual route follows Lakeview Trail north along the west side of Buntzen Lake, crosses near North Beach, and then returns south on the regular Buntzen Lake Trail along the eastern shore.

The route is generally much less busy than the main Buntzen Lake Trail and includes mature forest, small creeks, hydro rights-of-way, and one of the better viewpoints over the north end of the lake.

Trail Stats

These statistics are based on my more recent GPS recording of the full Lakeview Trail loop.

Distance: approximately 12.4 km loop
Time: My time is usually around 2.5 hours
Low point: approximately 90 m
High point: approximately 251 m
Net elevation difference: approximately 162 m
Cumulative elevation gain: approximately 420 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Route: Lakeview Trail northbound, returning on the east side of Buntzen Lake
📍 Trailhead and parking: Google Maps and navigation

Lakeview Trail vs. Buntzen Lake Trail

Lakeview Trail is noticeably more demanding than the regular Buntzen Lake Trail on the west side. It is longer, hillier, and rougher in places, but usually much quieter.

West-side route	Approx. distance	Elevation	Character
Lakeview Trail	About 1 km longer on the west-side traverse	More ups and downs	Quieter, rougher, more forested
Buntzen Lake Trail	Shorter	Less climbing	Easier and generally much busier

Which route should you choose?

If you want the easier and more popular route, take the regular Buntzen Lake Trail. If you want a little more distance, more climbing, and considerably fewer people, Lakeview Trail is the better choice.

That difference can be dramatic on quieter days. I have completed Lakeview Trail while seeing only one other person on the entire western section.

Interesting Facts

Alternative west-side route: Lakeview Trail parallels the regular Buntzen Lake Trail for much of the western side of the lake but climbs substantially higher onto the forested slopes.
Less crowded: Lakeview is generally much quieter than the main Buntzen Lake Trail, especially away from the junctions near South Beach and North Beach.
Multiple-use trail: Portions of Lakeview Trail have historically been used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.
Mature forest: Several sections pass through impressive coastal forest with large trees, moss-covered ground, and small creeks.
Northern viewpoint: One of the best viewpoints looks toward North Beach, Swan Falls, Eagle Mountain, and the northern end of Buntzen Lake.
Hydro infrastructure: Parts of the route cross transmission-line rights-of-way and old access roads associated with BC Hydro infrastructure around the reservoir.
Biogeoclimatic zone: Lakeview Trail lies within the Coastal Western Hemlock biogeoclimatic zone, with western hemlock, western redcedar, Douglas-fir, mosses, ferns, and other moisture-loving coastal forest vegetation.

The Route

The interactive map below shows my actual GPS recording of the Lakeview Trail loop. The route travels north on the higher Lakeview Trail along the west side of Buntzen Lake before returning south on the eastern side.

Use the layer control in the upper-right corner to switch between the regular map and satellite imagery.

Starting the Lakeview Trail

Lakeview Trail begins near the Pumphouse Road area on the southwest side of Buntzen Lake. Instead of staying on the lower Buntzen Lake Trail, the route climbs away from the shoreline and begins traversing the western slopes.

The difference is noticeable fairly quickly. Lakeview has more short climbs and descents, a rougher surface, and a quieter feel than the main lakeside trail.

Lakeview Trail at Buntzen Lake — Lakeview Trail on the west side of Buntzen Lake.

Through the Forest

Much of Lakeview Trail passes through mature forest. Compared with the main Buntzen Lake Trail, there are fewer open shoreline sections and considerably less foot traffic.

Quiet forest section of Lakeview Trail at Buntzen Lake — A quiet forest section of Lakeview Trail.

Forest on Lakeview Trail at Buntzen Lake — Another peaceful section of Lakeview Trail.

Creeks and Large Trees

Small creeks drain down the western slopes toward Buntzen Lake, and several sections of trail pass beside flowing water.

Creek beside Lakeview Trail at Buntzen Lake — A creek alongside Lakeview Trail.

The forest also contains some very large trees and downed logs.

Large fallen tree beside Lakeview Trail — A large downed tree beside the trail.

Hydro Right-of-Way

One section leaves the forest and crosses a hydro right-of-way before entering the trees again. The open terrain provides a very different feel from the shaded forest sections.

Lakeview Trail Viewpoints

There are signs for two viewpoints along the route. The more southerly viewpoint has become increasingly screened by trees, while the northern viewpoint provides the better view.

From the northern viewpoint, you can look toward North Beach, the northern end of Buntzen Lake, Swan Falls, and Eagle Mountain.

North Beach and Swan Falls viewed from Lakeview Trail — The northern Lakeview Trail viewpoint, looking toward North Beach and Swan Falls.

View from Lakeview Trail above Buntzen Lake — Another view from Lakeview Trail.

Historic Trail Sign

Older Lakeview Trail signs can still be found along the route and are part of the trail’s character.

Old Lakeview Trail sign at Buntzen Lake — An older Lakeview Trail sign.

Where the Trails Come Close

At one point, Lakeview Trail passes very close to the regular Buntzen Lake Trail even though the two routes have very different characters.

Lakeview Trail running close to the Buntzen Lake Trail — Lakeview Trail and the regular Buntzen Lake Trail pass close together here.

Returning on the East Side

My preferred way to complete the hike is to continue to the north end of Buntzen Lake and return along the regular trail on the eastern shore. This creates a varied loop rather than simply retracing Lakeview Trail.

The eastern side is generally easier and faster, making it a good return route after the more undulating Lakeview section.

What to Bring

Lakeview Trail is longer and rougher than the regular Buntzen Lake Loop, but it is still a relatively accessible day hike. Carry water, suitable footwear, a basic first-aid kit, navigation, and a headlamp if there is any chance of returning late.

Download an offline map before starting and carry a fully charged phone with backup power if needed. Conditions can become muddy or slippery after rain, and fallen trees occasionally affect the route.

Leave No Trace

Please follow Leave No Trace principles throughout the hike. Stay on established trails, pack out everything you bring in, avoid widening muddy sections, and leave plants, wildlife, and old trail infrastructure undisturbed.

Before You Go

Check current BC Hydro Buntzen Lake trail information before heading out. Also confirm current gate hours, parking requirements, trail conditions, and any temporary closures before travelling.

The route description, photographs, GPS track, and trail conditions on this page reflect conditions when I completed the hike. Trail markings, fallen trees, mud, viewpoints, gate hours, parking requirements, and access may have changed since then. Confirm current conditions before heading out.

Rough-skinned Newts at Buntzen Lake

April 25, 2014Buntzen Lake Blog, Stories & Photosanimal, April 2014, buntzen lake, creature, fauna, nature, slimyadmin

One of the more unusual animals I have encountered around Buntzen Lake is the Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa).

I have walked the trails around Buntzen Lake hundreds of times and have only noticed these newts on about three occasions. They are remarkably easy to miss. Their brown colouring blends extremely well with wet leaves, gravel, and the trail surface, and when I have encountered them they have often remained almost completely still.

From my own observations, I have generally seen them on trails fairly close to water. That fits their semi-aquatic life cycle and preference for moist forest, wetlands, ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water.

A Rough-skinned Newt on Pumphouse Road

I photographed the newt below on Pumphouse Road, only a short distance from the bridge. I almost walked right past it because it blended into the road so well.

When I originally posted the photograph online, there was some discussion about whether it might be a Western Red-backed Salamander. Ivan Phillipsen, of Wild Pacific Northwest, identified it as a Rough-skinned Newt.

Rough-skinned Newt (Taricha granulosa) on Pumphouse Road at Buntzen Lake.

Why Are They So Hard to Notice?

From above, a Rough-skinned Newt can be remarkably well camouflaged. Adults are usually brown, dark olive, or greyish-brown on top, with dry-looking, granular skin.

The striking part is underneath. Rough-skinned Newts have a bright yellow to orange belly, which acts as a warning to predators.

When threatened, a newt may arch its head and tail upward to expose the bright underside. This defensive posture is called an unken reflex.

The newt I photographed became extremely rigid and barely moved. At the time I wondered whether this was some type of defence mechanism, and that behaviour is consistent with the passive defensive response seen in Rough-skinned Newts.

Watch where you step
Rough-skinned Newts can be very difficult to see when they are motionless on a trail. If you encounter one, give it space and allow it to move on its own. They are particularly worth watching for on damp trails and near water.

They Are Toxic

The Rough-skinned Newt has one of the most unusual defence systems of any animal around Buntzen Lake.

Its skin contains tetrodotoxin, or TTX, a powerful neurotoxin that discourages most predators. The bright orange underside acts as warning colouration.

The toxin is dangerous if swallowed and should not be allowed to contact the eyes, mouth, open cuts, or other mucous membranes. The safest approach is simply not to handle the newt.

Dogs should also be kept away from them. A dog that bites or mouths a Rough-skinned Newt could potentially be exposed to the toxin.

Newts and Garter Snakes: An Evolutionary Arms Race

One of the most fascinating things about Rough-skinned Newts is their relationship with the Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).

Some populations of Common Garter Snakes have evolved resistance to tetrodotoxin, allowing them to prey on Rough-skinned Newts that would be highly toxic to most other predators.

In areas where snakes have greater resistance, natural selection favours newts with stronger chemical defences. In turn, stronger toxins favour snakes with even greater resistance.

This back-and-forth adaptation between predator and prey is a classic example of coevolution and is often described as an evolutionary arms race.

A Life Split Between Water and Forest

Rough-skinned Newts are semi-aquatic. They return to ponds, lakes, wetlands, and slow-moving streams during the spring breeding season.

Females lay individual eggs attached to aquatic vegetation. The eggs hatch after several weeks, producing aquatic larvae with external gills.

After metamorphosis, young newts move into the surrounding forest. Outside the breeding season, adults and juveniles can spend much of their time under logs, bark, leaf litter, and other moist cover.

Unlike many salamanders, Rough-skinned Newts sometimes move about openly during the day, especially during wet conditions. Their toxic skin gives them some protection from predators.

Rainy Weather Is a Good Time to Watch for Them

Amphibians generally become more active at the surface during wet weather, and Rough-skinned Newts are no exception.

If you are walking around Buntzen Lake during or shortly after rain, particularly on trails near the shoreline, wetlands, or creeks, it is worth keeping an eye on the ground.

I have only encountered a few despite spending a great deal of time around the lake, so seeing one still feels like a fairly special wildlife encounter.

How Long Do Rough-skinned Newts Live?

Rough-skinned Newts are longer-lived than their small size might suggest. They may live for around 12 years.

The newly metamorphosed juveniles spend several years growing in terrestrial habitat before returning to water as breeding adults.

Leave Them Where You Find Them

If you see a newt at Buntzen Lake, the best approach is to observe it without touching it.

If it is sitting on the trail, simply watch your step, give it some room, and make sure anyone walking with you sees it as well. Because they can remain motionless and blend so well with the trail surface, accidental trampling is probably a greater concern than deliberate disturbance.

For more information about amphibians found in British Columbia, see the Province of British Columbia amphibian information.

Old Signs Around Buntzen Lake

April 22, 2014Buntzen Lake Blog, Stories & Photosbuntzen lake, hike, nature, signsadmin

One of the little things I have always liked about Buntzen Lake is the collection of old wooden signs scattered around the recreation area and trails.

Many of the older signs were made from wood with simple painted or carved lettering, often in yellow. Some were located in busy areas near South Beach and the parking lots, while others were hidden away beside quieter trails where relatively few visitors would ever notice them.

Most of the photographs on this page were taken around 2014. Some of these signs may have since been replaced, moved, or removed, so I now think of this page as a small photographic record of an earlier generation of Buntzen Lake signage.

Historical photographs
The signs shown below should not be relied upon for current directions, rules, or trail conditions. Always follow current onsite signage and BC Hydro notices when visiting Buntzen Lake.

The Buntzen Lake Entrance Sign

The entrance sign was one of the more colourful signs around Buntzen Lake and looked quite different from the simpler yellow-lettered trail signs.

The Buntzen Lake entrance sign photographed in 2014.

The Entrance Sign in 1995

The entrance looked quite different in 1995. The photograph below is not especially high resolution, but it provides an interesting comparison with the later entrance sign.

The Buntzen Lake entrance sign in 1995.

Old Signs Near Swan Falls

Some of the more interesting signs were in quieter parts of the trail system. Near the Swan Falls trailhead, I found several older wooden signs that many visitors probably never noticed.

An old wooden sign near the Swan Falls trailhead.

This one had almost become part of the forest, surrounded by moss and vegetation.

An old sign slowly disappearing into the surrounding vegetation.

Signs Near the Parking Area

Some of the older signs around the main recreation area were much more practical, including signs for boating and dogs.

An old boat launching sign near the parking area.

An older dog information sign near the parking area.

South Beach Warning Sign

This warning sign was located around South Beach. Like many of the older signs, it used a very simple wooden design that blended into the recreation area much more than modern metal or plastic signage would.

An older warning sign at South Beach.

The Warden’s Office

Even the Buntzen Lake Warden’s Office had its own small wooden sign.

The old wooden sign at the Buntzen Lake Warden’s Office.

Viewpoint Signs

A number of small “Viewpoint” signs could also be found along the trail system. This one was on the east side of the Buntzen Lake Trail.

An old viewpoint sign on the east side of the Buntzen Lake Trail.

Lakeview Trail Signs

Lakeview Trail also had several of the classic wooden signs with yellow lettering.

An old Lakeview Trail sign.

Another old sign along Lakeview Trail.

Signs on the West Side of Buntzen Lake

The west side of the Buntzen Lake Trail had a few directional signs that always struck me as slightly unnecessary because there often did not seem to be much choice about which way to go.

An old directional sign on the west side of Buntzen Lake.

Another old trail sign along the west side of the lake.

Equestrian Sign on Pumphouse Road

Buntzen Lake’s trail system has historically accommodated more than just hikers. This tiny equestrian sign on Pumphouse Road was easy to miss.

A small equestrian sign on Pumphouse Road.

A Sign That Had Seen Better Days

Some signs survived better than others. This one had clearly spent a long time exposed to Buntzen Lake’s wet coastal climate.

A very weathered old wooden sign.

Small Pieces of Buntzen Lake History

Signs are easy to overlook, but they are part of the history of a recreation area. Designs change, trail names and routes evolve, and newer signs gradually replace older ones.

Looking back at photographs like these is interesting because they record details that may otherwise disappear without anyone really noticing.

For more about the history of the area, see my Buntzen Lake History page.

The photographs on this page are historical and mainly date from around 2014, with the entrance-sign photograph from 1995 noted separately. Current signage, trail directions, and recreation-area rules may differ.

Bear Safety at Buntzen Lake

April 15, 2014Buntzen Lake Blog, Stories & Photosbear, buntzen lake, Diez Vistas, hike, nature, scenicadmin

Buntzen Lake is bear country. Black bears occasionally travel through the recreation area and surrounding forests, and BC Hydro regularly posts wildlife-awareness signs around the lake.

The bears found around Buntzen Lake are black bears, not grizzly bears. The safety guidance on this page is therefore focused on black bear encounters.

I have completed hundreds of hikes around Buntzen Lake and have probably seen bears only six or seven times. Most of those encounters have been uneventful, with the bear either ignoring me or moving away. That does not mean every encounter will be the same, so it is important to know what to do before you see one.

If you see a bear:
Stay calm, do not run, give the bear plenty of space, and slowly move away. Do not approach it for a photograph or block its escape route. Keep the bear in sight, but avoid staring directly at it. If you carry bear spray, keep it accessible and know how to use it.

Bear Encounters at Buntzen Lake

Seeing a bear at Buntzen Lake is not especially common in my experience, but it does happen. Bears may cross hiking trails, travel along forest edges, or feed in areas where berries and other natural foods are abundant.

Most of the bears I have encountered have shown little interest in me. However, I once made the mistake of watching a bear too intently. The bear responded with what appeared to be a bluff charge. That was a useful reminder that even a bear that initially seems calm can react if it feels threatened or crowded.

WildSafeBC recommends avoiding direct eye contact with an agitated bear while still keeping it in sight. Speak calmly, back away slowly, and give the bear a clear route to leave.

Video: Close Bear Encounter at Buntzen Lake

Video courtesy of Brenden Brady (@brenden_brady_). Used with permission.

Buntzen Lake has plenty of wildlife, but apparently even the bears appreciate a good pedestrian bridge. Unfortunately, they haven’t quite mastered the etiquette of letting others cross first.

While we can make light of this encounter, it also illustrates how challenging an unexpected bear encounter can be when there’s little room to move. With the bear approaching along the floating bridge, Brenden had limited options for retreat. What stands out is how quiet and calm he remained as the bear passed nearby. His composure is a good reminder of the importance of avoiding sudden movements and giving wildlife space whenever possible.

Avoid Surprising a Bear

One of the best ways to stay safe is to avoid surprising a bear in the first place. Be especially alert on narrow trails, around blind corners, beside noisy streams, and in dense vegetation where visibility is poor.

Talk normally or call out occasionally when hiking in areas with poor visibility.
Pay attention to fresh bear scat, tracks, claw marks, overturned logs, and other signs of recent activity.
Avoid wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing what is happening around you.
Keep dogs under control and follow current leash requirements.
Be particularly cautious around berry patches and other natural food sources.
Never deliberately approach a bear, even if it appears calm.

Bears and Berries

Salmonberries are common around Buntzen Lake, particularly in sunny openings and along forest edges. Their pink flowers appear in spring and are followed by edible berries later in the season.

Bears eat a wide variety of natural foods, including berries. Salmonberries, blackberries, blueberries, and huckleberries can all attract feeding bears when the fruit is ripe. If you find yourself in a productive berry patch, pay extra attention to your surroundings and watch for fresh bear sign.

Salmonberry flower at Buntzen Lake — A salmonberry flower at Buntzen Lake. Berry-producing shrubs are an important natural food source for bears.

What to Do if You Encounter a Bear

Every bear encounter is different, and the bear’s behaviour matters. In general, if a bear becomes aware of you but is not approaching aggressively, remain calm, speak in a low voice, and slowly increase the distance between you and the bear.

Do not run. Running can trigger a chase response.
Do not approach. Give the bear plenty of room and allow it to leave.
Do not stare directly at the bear. Keep the bear in sight, but avoid prolonged direct eye contact, especially if it appears agitated or defensive.
Back away slowly. Avoid sudden movements.
Have bear spray ready. It should be carried somewhere immediately accessible, not buried inside a backpack.
If a bear bluff charges: stand your ground, prepare your bear spray, and do not run.

A bear that stomps, woofs, jaw-pops, or bluff charges may be telling you that you are too close. Increase your distance calmly and give it space.

Carry Bear Spray

Bear spray can be an effective deterrent, but only if it is accessible and you know how to use it. Carry it in a holster or another location where you can reach it immediately rather than storing it inside your backpack.

Check the expiry date, practise removing the safety clip before heading out, and learn the correct technique before you need it. Bear spray is emergency equipment, not something to experiment with on the trail.

Never Feed Bears

Never intentionally feed a bear or leave food where wildlife can access it. Food-conditioned bears can lose their natural wariness of people, increasing the risk of conflict for both the bear and visitors.

Pack out food scraps and other garbage, including fruit peels and cores. Even biodegradable food waste can attract wildlife to trails and recreation areas.

Bear Photos from Deboville Slough

The two bear photographs below were not taken at Buntzen Lake. I photographed these black bears at Deboville Slough in northeast Coquitlam in 2013 while they were feeding on berries.

They appeared much more interested in their natural food than in me, but photographs like these should always be taken from a safe distance. A bear that appears relaxed can still react quickly if approached or disturbed.

Black bear at Deboville Slough in Coquitlam — A black bear at Deboville Slough in Coquitlam. This photograph was not taken at Buntzen Lake.

Black bear feeding near Deboville Slough in Coquitlam — Another black bear at Deboville Slough. Always photograph wildlife from a safe distance.

Dogs and Bears

Dogs can complicate bear encounters. A dog may chase or provoke a bear and then run back toward its owner. Keep dogs under control and follow posted leash requirements, particularly where bears or other wildlife have recently been reported.

Report Problem Bears

A bear simply moving through the forest does not normally require intervention. However, aggressive behaviour, bears repeatedly accessing human food, or other serious wildlife conflicts should be reported to the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.

Learn More About Bear Safety

For current information about bear behaviour, avoiding encounters, bear spray, and what to do during an encounter, visit WildSafeBC’s black bear safety information.

BC Hydro also reminds visitors to its recreation areas that wildlife, including bears and cougars, may be encountered and that wildlife should never be fed.

Bear behaviour is unpredictable, and no set of guidelines can guarantee a safe encounter. Give wildlife plenty of space, follow current posted warnings, carry bear spray where appropriate, and use current bear-safety guidance before heading into bear country.