Mission, B.C., man injured after confronting bear on his back porch

A sign warning of a bear in the area is shown at the Squamish Estuary trail network in Squamish, B.C. on Friday, November 4, 2022. Conservation officers are investigating after a man was injured by a black bear at his home in Mission, B.C., on May 14, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amy Smart

MISSION, B.C. — British Columbia’s Environment Ministry says conservation officers are investigating after a man was swatted by a bear on the back porch of his home.

The ministry says in a statement that the man was alerted to the black bear at his home in Mission, B.C., by his barking dog around 4 a.m. on Monday, and he tried scaring it off by making noise.

It says the bear charged at him and swatted his arm, but he was able to get back inside his home.

The ministry says his injuries were not life-threatening.

It says in an update that three bears have been captured and will be tranquilized and assessed to determine next steps.

The BC Conservation Officer Service is urging residents to take precautions in case they encounter wildlife, including travelling in groups, carrying bear spray and being aware of their surroundings.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2026.

The Canadian Press