Photo: CTV Vancouver

UPDATE: 7:15 p.m.

As of 6 p.m., conservation officers had darted the bear, but the tranquilizer was taking longer to kick in than expected.

The bear cub also triggered the motion sensor that opens the gate to the mall parkade.

ORIGINAL: 5:20 p.m.

A bear is stuck in an underground parking garage in Coquitlam's Henderson Place Shopping Centre.

The BC Conservation Officer Service was called to the scene near Pinetree Way and Lincoln Avenue shortly before 3 p.m.

"Crew members plan to tranquilize the bear and take it away before considering what to do with it," said Sgt. Todd Hunter.

Hunter said there is little risk to public safety, but those in the area are being asked to give officers space to work safely.

– with files from CTV Vancouver