BURST
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service is reminding outdoor recreationist to be ‘bear aware’ in prime berry season, as two hunters were injured in separate incidents this week.
On Sept. 29 near Fort St. James in north central B.C., a hunter was charged by a grizzly sow and bitten on the ankle. As the mother bear was protecting its cub, the incident was deemed as defensive.
The bear withdrew after the attack, and the hunter was able to seek medical help on their own.
On Oct. 2 near Fort Steele in southeastern B.C., another hunter was seriously injured in an encounter with another sow and cubs. They were airlifted to hospital for medical treatment. The incident is still under investigation by COS predator attack specialists.
Late summer and early fall is a period where increased encounters between humans and bears can happen, as human outdoor activity is still frequent and bears take the berry season to fatten up and prepare for winter.
Bears often react defensively if surprised, especially by a human, with female bears demonstrating extremely protective and aggressive behaviours if they feel their cubs are threatened.
Officials say if entering the backcountry, make sure to make plenty of noise to alert wildlife, travel in groups, store food securely, and be stocked with and knowledgeable in the use of bear spray.
If encountering a bear, stay calm and don’t run. Speak softly and back away slowly, and use bear spray should you be charged.