A man sustained significant injuries in a grizzly bear attack while e-biking with his wife near West Creston, British Columbia, prompting trail closures and an ongoing search for the animals involved.
The Incident
The attack occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday along the Kootenay River near West Creston. According to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS), a couple was e-biking in the area when the wife heard her husband scream and saw a grizzly bear running toward her.
The woman immediately deployed bear spray to deter the approaching bear. She then noticed a second grizzly bear attacking her husband and used bear spray again, successfully causing both bears to flee the area.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to the scene, and the injured man was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Cranbrook, where he underwent surgery for his injuries. The extent of his current condition has not been disclosed.
Multiple Conservation Officers responded to the incident alongside Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers. The teams conducted a thorough sweep of the vicinity but were unable to locate the bears involved in the attack.
Safety Measures Implemented
As a precautionary measure, authorities closed three major trails in the area and installed warning signage. Traps were set overnight in an attempt to capture the bears, but no animals were caught.
Conservation Officers returned to the area the following morning, successfully locating the attack site and conducting additional searches of the surrounding area. No bears were observed during the follow-up investigation.
Current Status
The trails in the affected area remain closed to the public as the search for the grizzly bears continues. The Conservation Officer Service has not indicated when the trails might reopen.
The COS expressed gratitude to their emergency responder partners for their assistance in handling the incident.
Bear Safety Reminder
This incident highlights the importance of carrying and knowing how to use bear spray when recreating in bear habitat. The quick thinking and preparedness of the woman involved likely prevented a more serious outcome.
Remain vigilant in bear country; make noise while traveling, carry bear spray, and be prepared to encounter wildlife, especially during peak activity periods.
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