Photographer to blame for scary bear encounter, says Yukon wildlife official

A photographer outside Whitehorse recentlyhad a scary encounter with a grizzly bear on Thursday, butwildlife officials are saying don't blame the bear.

"We had a report that somebody had stopped along the highway,had seen a cub and grizzly bear, and started to approach them to take photographs," said David Bakica, a Yukon conservation officer.

"Obviously, the sow got a little fed up and annoyed with what was happening, and did a 'bluff charge'. Thankfully, it was a bluff charge."

No injuries were reported afterthe encounter, according toEnvironment Yukon.

Bakica said a bluff charge is normal behaviour for a mother grizzly. Hesaidthe photographer should have known better.

"I mean in this case, clearly it's the individual that's in the wrong. I feel like we shouldn't have to say this, but I do say it:don't approach bears."

Bakica said the incidenthappened outside Whitehorse, but wouldn't say exactly where he doesn't want more photographers rushing to the siteto spot bears.

The incident alone isn't enough for Environment Yukon to consider relocating the bear or putting it down.