Large bear gets family’s goat on Hudgrove Road

A bear that got one family’s goat on Hudgrove Road near Lake Cowichan has eluded conservation officers.

Conservation officer Mark Kissinger from Duncan said the bear killed a goat on April 13, so they put out a S Trap. After five days without success, they removed the trap.

“Its prime bear habitat,” said Kissinger.

“Anywhere you go along the Cowichan River you can expect to see bears. They’re always looking for salmon or other food to eat. We may not see it again for a month.”

Although Kissinger doesn’t know whether it was a male or how old it is, he knows from witness descriptions that it’s big.

“We always urge people to be careful when in rural areas where bears will frequent,” he said.

If you do see this bear, call the conservation office at 746-1236.