A man hunting south of Cochrane, Alta., was attacked by a grizzly bear on Thursday, as reported by Alberta Fish and Wildlife. The survivor’s hunting partner shot and killed the bear involved in the attack, while another bear fled the scene. The injured man, in his 30s, was airlifted from the Springbank area west of Calgary by STARS air ambulance.
Although the air ambulance service did not disclose the man’s condition, Alberta Fish and Wildlife confirmed that he survived. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) later stated that the man’s condition had improved from serious to non-life-threatening after hospitalization.
Bear safety expert Kim Titchener highlighted the frequency of grizzly bear attacks on hunters during hunting seasons in Canada and the U.S. Recently, an elk hunter in B.C.’s East Kootenay region succumbed to injuries sustained in a grizzly bear attack. Titchener emphasized the need for behavioral changes to enhance safety during outdoor activities like hunting, biking, and camping.
Titchener mentioned that hunters moving quietly through the wilderness could inadvertently attract bears by mimicking sounds of prey species. Grizzly bears, still active as they search for vegetation to feed on before hibernation, may be encountered even in areas close to urban centers like Calgary.
The historical presence of grizzly bears in Alberta and their return to previous habitats pose risks to human encounters. Alberta Fish and Wildlife will collect DNA samples from the survivor to confirm the identity of the bear involved in the attack. The second bear that fled the scene is presumed to be part of a mother-cub pair.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing bear activity in the region despite the approaching hibernation period. Authorities advise caution and awareness when venturing into bear country to prevent potentially dangerous encounters.
