On Thursday afternoon, a hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear south of Cochrane, Alberta, as reported by Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
“The bear that attacked was shot by the hunter’s companion and is believed to be dead,” stated provincial spokesperson Sheena Campbell. “A second bear, whose age is unknown, fled the area following the incident.”
STARS air ambulance informed CBC News that a man in his 30s was airlifted from the Springbank region, which is situated west of Calgary.
While the air ambulance service did not disclose the man’s condition, Alberta Fish and Wildlife confirmed that he had survived the attack.
On Friday, EMS reported that the man was in non-life-threatening condition, although he was in serious condition when transported to the hospital.
Bear safety expert warns of frequent grizzly attacks on hunters
“This occurs every hunting season,” said Kim Titchener, founder of Bear Safety and More.
“During each hunting season, whether in Canada or the U.S., we witness numerous incidents of individuals being attacked while hunting.”
Earlier this month, an elk hunter in British Columbia’s East Kootenay region managed to fend off a grizzly bear during an attack. He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries weeks later.
“We must modify our behaviors and do everything we can to ensure safety when we are out hunting, biking, trail running, or camping with friends and family,” Titchener advised.
She mentioned that hunters often traverse the wilderness in near silence, which could contribute to unexpected bear encounters.
“It’s not uncommon to inadvertently attract a carnivore when making sounds that mimic those of prey species,” she explained. “This can lure them in.”
As bears are anticipated to enter hibernation in the coming weeks, they remain active in the area.
“Grizzly bears are still searching for remaining vegetation to consume,” Titchener noted. “They are trying to gain weight for the winter.”
A massive grizzly bear came face-to-face with hikers on Banff’s popular Johnston Canyon trail on Tuesday. (Photo credit: Buck Goroski)
Titchener indicated that the mauling’s occurrence near Calgary is not unusual, referencing two fatal bear attacks in Mountain View County, located northwest of the city.
“Traditionally, grizzly bears roamed across Alberta and the prairie regions,” she stated. “This is bear territory, and in some instances, bears are returning to habitats they once inhabited.”
Alberta Fish and Wildlife has not provided details regarding the second bear that escaped the scene, although Titchener suggested that it was likely a mother with her cub.
“Fish and Wildlife officers will be obtaining DNA samples from the survivor to verify if the bear shot during the incident was the one that attacked,” Campbell mentioned in her statement.