The Conservation Officer Service investigation has determined that a grizzly bear attack near West Creston that left a man with significant injuries was defensive in nature.
In a social media post, Conservation Officers said they are confident that the couple e-biking along the Kootenay River on the weekend likely startled the two bears in a surprise encounter on a corner of the trail, which is bordered by thick brush.
“No evidence was found to suggest either bear had been stalking or hunting the couple. There were no reports of bear activity or aggressive bear behaviour in the area prior to the Saturday afternoon attack,” the COS said.
CO’s investigated the circumstances of the attack, including interviewing the victim and witnesses and assessing the attack site and surrounding area. The COS also spoke to the regional large carnivore specialist, who agreed that the assessment of the bear’s behaviour appeared to be defensive. The woman used bear spray on both bears, which ran off. The victim underwent surgery and is expected to recover.
“These people were well-prepared. They had bear spray, had it readily accessible, and knew how to use it,” said COS Insp. Dave Webster. “We’d like to recognize these actions and encourage anyone hiking, biking or recreating in bear country to take similar precautions.”
Due to the defensive nature of the attack, there are no efforts being taken to capture or dispatch the bears at this time.
