A Calgary man survived an encounter with a bear late last week, west of Sundre in a remote area near the headwaters of the Panther River.
A Calgary man survived an encounter with a bear late last week, west of Sundre in a remote area near the headwaters of the Panther River.
"We have confirmed that it was a grizzly," said Brendan Cox, a spokesperson for the Fish and Wildlife enforcement branch.
Officials were able to determine the type of bear following DNA analysis of samples taken from the clothes of the man, who told officers he was eating breakfast last Thursday at about 9 a.m. when the animal came out of the trees and grabbed him by the legs.
"He was deep in the bush," RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Ronald Bumbry told the Round Up Friday afternoon.
After sustaining wounds to the legs and head, the 32-year-old male, who was alone at the time, managed to fight off further attacks and was able to hike several kilometres back to his vehicle, which he drove to the Mountain-Aire Lodge.
The man had been scouting the area for bighorn sheep ahead of hunting season in the backcountry about 12–13 kilometres away from the trailhead when the incident took place, said Fish and Wildlife officials.
The return hike and drive took about a couple of hours, said Bumbry.
After reaching the lodge, a private helicopter flew him to the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre. The injured man was later transferred by ground ambulance to a Calgary hospital for treatment of serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his body, face and head, officials said.
Police said the investigation has been taken over by Fish and Wildlife, which as of Friday was still looking into the matter.
Due to the remote location where the attack occurred, authorities said there is no danger to the general public.
However, Fish and Wildlife "officers have closed the area," said Cox, adding attempts to trap the bear are underway.
As outdoor enthusiasts seek to make plans for the Labour Day long weekend, the corporal advised people who are going into the West Country to be wary of the types of animals that call the backcountry home as well as to take every precaution possible with any food that is brought out.
"Safety is of the most importance," he said.
When hunting in bear country, extra caution should be taken, adds Mears, who says, "being quiet, using animal attractants and calls, and travelling alone mean there is an elevated risk of a bear encounter."
He further elaborated, "It is important that hunters reduce the risk of a bear encounter by following bear safety protocols. If it is not necessary to be stealthy, it is better to warn bears before you get there, rather than being quiet and startling them."
Other tips include the following: if you do hear noises, quietly retreating and leaving the area is the best tactic so not to further attract an animal's attention; firearms are not always readily available in all situations and other measures should be considered; carry bear spray as well as a non-incendiary noisemaker and keep them with you — know how to use them; if you see a bear, leave the area; learn to recognize fresh bear signs such as droppings, digging or buried carcasses; and if a bear has become aggressive or taken over a carcass from a kill, contact a Fish and Wildlife officer.
The Sundre Fish and Wildlife office can be reached at 403-638-3805. Dial 911 in the case of an emergency.
