Natural Resources says there was no bear attack on Halifax-area trail

Nova Scotia's Department of Natural Resources says aninvestigation has concluded there was no bear attack on a Halifax-area trail.

The department said Monday it was investigating an "unconfirmed bear attack" after someone was injured on Shearwater Flyer Trail in Cole Harbour.

Natural Resources said in a statement on Tuesday it set up an incident management team to investigate, including staff, conservation officers, ahelicopterand local law enforcement.

"No confirming evidence was found at the scene," the statement said. "The August 26incident on the Shearwater Flyer Trail in Cole Harbour was not a bear or wildlife attack."

The incident had closed a portion of the trail and bear traps were set. The department said a staff member remainedon site throughout the night.

"The department cannot speculate on what may or may not have happened outside of a potential wildlife attack.Police would need to speak to how the person sustained injuries," the statement said.

In an email to CBC News, the RCMP said it received a report at 7:35 a.m. on Monday from a man who said he had been attacked by a bear on the trailin the "overnight/early morning hours."

Police said the man had non-life-threatening injuries and the matter was referred to Natural Resourcesfor further investigation of the possible attack.

Criminality not believed to be factor in man's injuries, police say

"Police do not believe that criminality was a factor in how this man sustained the injuries, and the police investigation concluded with the referral on August 26 to [Natural Resources]," the email said. "The investigation can be reopened if police receive new information."

Emergency Health Servicessaid in an email Monday that it responded to a call in the trail areaand provided care to someone, but did not elaborate on the nature of their injuries.

The Natural Resources Department said traps were being removed Tuesday afternoon and that section of the trail was expected to open at 3 p.m.

Nova Scotia Tourism describes the Shearwater Flyer Trail as an 8.5-kilometre gravel trail that travels through forest and marsh areas and is popular withhikers, cyclists and bird-watchers.