A female hiker is recovering from a grizzly bear attack in the South Chilcotin region of British Columbia. Pemberton Search and Rescue (SAR) received a report from the RCMP on Sunday afternoon that the 72-year-old woman had been attacked by the bear near Tyaughton Lake, close to Gold Bridge. The bear was seen engaging in physical contact with the hiker during the incident, according to SAR president David McKenzie.
Search teams, in collaboration with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), swiftly responded to the scene. The BCCOS promptly dispatched a three-member predator attack response team by helicopter. The hiker was located in the Pearson Ridge area, accessible via forest service roads, with assistance from the B.C. Wildfire Service, who was battling a nearby wildfire.
Following the rescue, the hiker was airlifted to the former Gun Lake Airport for further medical attention. The woman sustained severe injuries, including lacerations to her face, arms, and neck, as well as a neck fracture, as confirmed by McKenzie. Fortunately, her condition is stable and showing signs of improvement.
Authorities believe the bear attack was defensive in nature, involving a female grizzly with at least one cub. The Ministry of Environment conducted an investigation, collecting potential evidence from the scene. No action has been taken against the bear, and cautionary signs have been posted in the area as a preventive measure.
Bear biologist Wayne McCrory expressed sympathy for the victim and emphasized the need for caution in grizzly bear habitats. McCrory highlighted the importance of avoiding encounters by taking precautions like carrying bear spray, being aware of bear behavior, and staying vigilant in bear-populated areas. Encounters with grizzly bears are common in British Columbia due to the abundant grizzly habitat, requiring continued efforts to minimize risks.