B.C. family encounters bear 'eating our Doritos' at beachside camp
CTV's Jordan Cunningham has some tips to share after his family encountered a black bear while camping near Shirley, B.C., this past long weekend.
"I knew somewhere in that forest there would be a few bears," said eight-year-old Reese Cunningham.
And while bears might be around, you never expect to actually run into one.
But that was the case on Sunday, when a bear wandered into the Cunningham's beachside camp.
"I saw an enormous black bear and I was alone, so it was really scary," said Reese.
Where was her father, you might ask? He was about 100 metres behind her as the group was returning to camp.
When Jordan, Reese, and son Tommy were returning to camp, Reese went off ahead and then quickly returned.
"I said, 'Dad, there's a black bear. Wait, I might be dreaming,'" said Reese.
But it was no teddy bear's picnic.
"I thought she was lying when she said she might be dreaming," said Tommy. "But no, there's a giant black bear eating our Doritos."
The black bear is shown.Doritos were the only casualty at the camp on Sunday.
Fortunately, Reese did everything right when spotting a bear.
"Don't run and don't scream," said Wild Wise Society president Sam Webb.
"Bears have an instinct to chase. It's a chase like a dog playing chase with a ball," she said.
Webb adds that it's not always necessary to leave a campsite if a bear has come to visit.
"You're never wrong by leaving but if you chose to stay, that wouldn't have been wrong either," she said.
The Cunninghams did decide to leave, but the encounter hasn't turned them off camping just yet.
When Reese was asked if she was scared to go camping again, the eight-year-old responded with a quick "No!"
Next time, however, all snacks will be sealed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.