A Canadian family is mourning the loss of one of their dogs after it was attacked by a bear that was later captured and euthanized at Jasper National Park in Alberta.
The incident happened on Saturday while a couple was hiking the Wabasso Lake Trail with their two dogs, which were running freely off-leash, when a black bear suddenly charged the group, park officials said.
"One of the dogs chased the bear off the trail a short distance before the bear quickly reversed the chase," Parks Canada said in a statement. "The bear came back within a couple feet of one of the hikers where the second dog was standing and barking. The bear attacked this dog."
Although the couple doused the animal with bear spray, it continued attacking the dog until it was dead.
"The bear did not release the dog and the hiker then used the bear spray can to punch the bear in the head multiple times. The bear still did not release the dog and carried it into the woods," officials said.
The park closed trails in the area out of caution and animal experts went searching for the bear, ultimately finding the dog's remains.
"Our condolences go out to the pet owners involved in this incident," officials said. "This is a sad reminder that all pets should be kept under control and on-leash at all times within a national park."
Wildlife conflict specialists also located the bear and "destroyed it" on Sunday.
"Destroying a bear is a last resort. Parks Canada considers hazing first and foremost to deter bears from highly visited areas, and then considers trapping and relocation," officials said. "In this unusual and concerning encounter, the large [202 pound] male bear, which had no identifying tags indicating previous interactions with Parks Canada personnel, displayed no fear or reaction to bear spray or punches. This non-typical behavior indicates a highly habituated bear and increased the likelihood of further negative interactions."
Officials elaborated, saying the "close and aggressive approach by a large black bear is very concerning behavior," and that "the attack on the dog and subsequent caching of the carcass, indicates predatory behavior," which was considered a threat to public safety and a risk to park visitors.
A number of trails have been reopened, though the Wabasso Lake Trail remained closed as of Monday.
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