Black bear knocks over man near Tofino, prompting warning from conservation officers

Conservation officers are warning people to stay away from a creek in the Tofino, B.C., area, after a man was knocked over by a black bear last Friday.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service saysthe angler was fishing in the Kootowis Creek area near the intersection of Alaska Pines Road and Kennedy River Road at around 2 p.m. PT on Oct. 15 when a black bear approached him from behind.

"The bear made contact with the man, who was able to scare the animal away. Although the bear knocked the man over, he was not injured," the Conservation Officer Service said in a written advisory.

An investigation is underway and officers will continue to monitor the area and post warning signs.

A list of bear safety tips can be found on theprovince's website, and bear sightings can be reported to 1-877-952-7277.