Woman Seriously Injured in Bear Attack in British Columbia
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia – A 21-year-old woman was seriously injured in a bear attack while she was planting trees near Bearhole Lake Provincial Park in western Canada. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, according to the province’s Conservation Officer Service.
Authorities described the attack as a “defensive attack” by the bear. The woman was first bluff-charged by the bear, prompting her to retreat to a nearby roadway. Unfortunately, the bear pursued and attacked her. Eventually, the bear ran off and a coworker came to her aid and called for help.
The victim was airlifted via helicopter to a hospital in Prince George. Fortunately, authorities have reported that she is now in stable condition.
Conservation officers who responded to the scene confirmed the presence of bears in the area, although they did not spot any during their investigation. While conclusive evidence is lacking, officials believe it was a grizzly bear that attacked the woman.
According to statistics released by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands, and Parks, there are an estimated 120,000 to 160,000 black bears in the province, which amounts to about one bear for every seven square kilometers. On the other hand, the grizzly bear population is estimated at 10,000 to 13,000 and is considered vulnerable.
Bear-human conflicts are relatively rare, noted the ministry, unless the bears are startled, protecting their cubs, or food. However, in October last year, a rare predatory attack by a black bear left three people injured in northeastern British Columbia.
Statistics from the province reveal a concerning trend. Calls about predatory grizzly bear attacks have doubled, and in some cases tripled, since 2019. In the years 2018-2019, there were 11 calls made about predatory grizzly bear attacks. The following year saw an increase to 36 calls, and up to April 2023, there have been 29 calls reported.
In light of these incidents, officials are urging the public to take precautions to avoid wildlife encounters. This includes carrying bear spray, traveling in groups, and ensuring that pets are leashed.
The incident serves as a reminder that bear encounters can pose risks, and it is important for individuals to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions when in bear country.