Anthony Yates
Emergency services airlifted two hikers to a hospital in Canada after a grizzly bear attacked them on a popular hiking trail. Authorities closed the area after the incident.
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What happened: The British Columbia Conservation Officer Services posted details about the incident on Facebook. The attack occurred on October 12 in the McGregor mountain area, NE of Prince George.
- The post confirms that a grizzly bear attacked both hikers, and the Conservation Officer Service recommended that any hikes in the Pass Lake area should be canceled. They also noted that they closed trails in the vicinity pending an investigation.
- According to CBS News, an air ambulance lifted both victims from the area, one in a critical condition. The outlet also notes that the trail is popular among visitors.
- The Conservation Officer Service addressed the incident again on Tuesday, providing more details about the attack. The hikers reportedly encountered a grizzly sow with two cubs. They were on the Farm Cabin Trail near Pass Lake FSR.
Authorities Will Take No Action Against The Grizzly Bear
A mom protecting her cubs: The COS Predator Attack Team investigated the incident and believes the bear’s behavior was defensive. “Due to the location and nature of the incident, no action will be taken against the bears.”
- Authorities note that the train remains closed and that they have installed new signage. They ask people to avoid the area and respect the closure.
How to stay safe in bear country: The post details a list of things hikers can do to keep safe in areas where bears may roam.
- Officials recommend staying alert and making noise to avoid startling wild animals. “Talk, sing, or clap regularly to avoid surprising a bear,” the post reads. They also advise doing so, especially when visibility is low or near dense brush and streams.
- The post explains that bears are more likely to approach a solo hiker than a group, so traveling with people is preferable. On that note, keeping a clean camp is essential, so bears have less reason to explore.
- The Conservation Officer Service recommends that any hikers carry bear spray and learn how to use it. “It’s highly effective in deterring aggressive bears,” officials said.
