Photo: Carmen Weld - File photo

Hikers are being warned after a bear was spotted at Knox Mountain Park over the weekend.

The City of Kelowna issued a warning to residents and Knox Mountain enthusiasts due to the recent bear sighting.

“It is not unusual to see bears in the park at this time of year and signs are in place to caution residents that there are bears in the area,” says Blair Stewart, urban forestry supervisor with the city.

“People should respect bears by anticipating and avoiding encounters with them whenever possible.”

The city is urging residents to stay alert while enjoying natural parks, travel in groups when possible, make noise and keep dogs leashed and on the trails.

“Bears can be aggressive, especially when defending their food or their cubs. If encountering a bear, reduce potential conflicts by staying well away from the animal,” says Stewart.

Residents are asked to notify either the Conservation Office at 1-877-356-2029 or the RCMP at 250-762-3300 if they feel threatened by a bear (911 should be used in the case of an emergency only).

For information on safety in the wilderness and around bears, click here.