The City of Prince George has closed Ferguson Lake Park, effective immediately, following a reported incident involving a park visitor and a black bear at that location last night. City staff are closing the park while Conservation Officers complete their investigation.
The city has installed barricades blocking the park entrance and warning signs along the park trails to help ensure visitors to the area are aware of the situation. The park is expected to be closed for one to two days.
According to a Facebook post, tried to escape being attacked by the bear by swimming across Ferguson Lake. The bear followed him into the water and swatted him. Witnesses, along with a dog, distracted the bear from the shore and the dock long enough for the man to swim to safety. The man apparently has some cuts and puncture wounds.
To avoid potential conflicts with bears, residents are asked to follow park signage, and to use caution and leash their pets while visiting our local parks and wooded areas.
Wildlife such as bears are part of the landscape in Prince George and residents are encouraged to be on the lookout at all times while enjoying parks and green spaces.