Update Aug 22, 2 pm –

Waterfront Park has reopened according to the City of Kamloops.

The sow and her cub have moved on from the area, leading both the reopening of both the park and the pathway to the public.

The city is reminding residents to give bears and all wildlife space when they are residential areas.

People are also urged to report wildlife encounters to the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

Original – 

Kamloops city staff have temporarily closed Waterfront Park downtown because of a sow and her cub bear being spotted in the area.

Conservation and bylaw officers are monitoring the bears’ activity, and the public is being asked to avoid the area from the east end of Riverside Park to Pioneer Park.

City staff say Riverside Park does remain open, saying the bears are far enough away that no there is public safety concern being posed there.

Updates are expected to be posted here by city staff.