Screenshot via CVSAR’s Instagram

Officials in Courtenay, British Columbia, are warning trail users to be on the lookout for potential booby-traps found early this week. Courtenay is located on Vancouver Island, near the popular mountain biking town of Cumberland.

The Comox Valley Search and Rescue (CVSAR) responded to a call about metal spikes found partially buried at the entrances of local trails. The spikes, also known as caltrops or “jackrocks,” look like something out of a movie, strewn across the road from a speeding car to stop pursuers. 

But, it looks like this time, they were perhaps intended to stop mountain bikers.

Posting about it on Instagram, CVSAR had this to say:

“CVSAR has been made aware of metal spike devices (caltrops) found on local bike trails. We have also been notified that similar devices may have been seen on some roads around Lake Trail.

These objects are dangerous and could cause serious injury to riders, pedestrians, dogs, and other trail users.

Please use extra caution when riding, walking, or driving in the area. Keep an eye on the ground and road surface, especially in corners, narrow sections, shoulders, and areas where avoiding a hazard may be difficult.

Please stay alert and help keep our trails and roads safe by sharing this information with other users.”

According to a local news media outlet, Chek News, the spikes were discovered by Eric Roy, a Courtenay-area mountain biker. Roy found the spike sticking out of his tire after getting a flat tire while riding near the Puntledge River. 

After realizing that his day was over, he found several more spikes located in the dirt and brush. Roy returned the following day to find even more. 

As word of the incident spread on social media, apparently so did the booby-traps. Commenters mentioned finding the same spikes on other roads and trails in the area. While some booby-traps seem to target mountain bikers, it is unclear in this instance who the spikes were intended to harm. Mountain bikers, along with runners and hikers, equestrians, and dirt bikers, all use the area. 

While the assumption is that this is a booby-trap intended to harm a specific user group, it is also possible that it is a prank. A very stupid prank.

We reached out to the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC) regarding the news. Executive Director Dougal Browne didn’t want to weigh in too heavily because the spikes were found in a system the organization doesn’t oversee. But, as a trail advocacy group in the area, Browne and UROC are frustrated and concerned about the recent find.

“This type of behavior is disgraceful and has no place in a community that values the outdoors, recreation, and respectful use of shared spaces,” Browne told us. “We are fortunate to live in a region with incredible natural assets, and protecting and respecting those places is a responsibility shared by all users.”

Along with keeping an eye out for where you step, or roll, on Courtenay-area trails, officials want the public to contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with any information or if they find more spikes.