Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 18, 2017
Contact:
Lee Walker, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, (804) 912-6121, lee.walker@dgif.virginia.gov
All trails at Douthat State Park closed following bear incident
MILLBORO, VIRGINIA — All trails within Douthat State Park are closed after a bear injured a hiker yesterday on a backcountry trail. Trails will remain closed until further notice.
Efforts are underway to trap the bear responsible for the encounter. Park guests have been notified of the incident.
The hiker was treated at LewisGale Hospital Alleghany for non-life-threatening injuries and then transported to Roanoke Memorial for additional care.
The hiker spotted a bear on the trail while walking her dogs. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. Sunday near the Tuscarora Overlook.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries district wildlife and law enforcement officers and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation law enforcement officers inspected the site of the incident. Genetic samples are being submitted to a forensics lab for confirmation.
VDGIF and DCR officials have a plan in place to confirm the identity of the bear.
It is highly recommended that people hiking or recreating in bear country learn about what to do in a bear encounter. Hiking in groups of two or more is recommended, and always keep dogs leashed. If you see a bear and it has not seen you, calmly leave the area. As you move away, make noise to let the bear discover your presence. Give the bear plenty of room to escape. Bears rarely attack people unless they feel cornered or provoked. Most importantly, do not run or make any sudden movements. Running could prompt the bear to give chase, and you cannot outrun a bear. If on a trail, step off the trail and slowly leave the area. Carrying bear spray while hiking in the back country is also recommended.
Information and tips about how to stay safe around bears can be found here: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlife/bear/.
Share this news release:
