Grizzly Bear Attack in B.C. Leaves One Man Hospitalized with Life-Threatening Injuries

A man is in critical condition following a grizzly bear attack in West Creston, British Columbia, on Saturday, July 26. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) confirmed that the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. along the Kootenay River trail system near the Corn Creek Marsh, part of the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area.

E-Bike Ride Turns into Frightening Encounter

The man and his wife were riding e-bikes when the attack happened. According to BCCOS, the woman heard her husband scream, then saw a grizzly bear charging toward her. She used bear spray to deter it but soon realized a second bear was already mauling her husband.

She sprayed again, successfully driving both bears away. Emergency responders quickly arrived and transported the man to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, where he underwent emergency surgery. He sustained significant, life-threatening injuries, but his wife was able to walk away with minor injuries.

Trails Closed and Search for Bears Underway

Authorities believe the bears involved are juvenile grizzlies, around two to three years old, known to frequent the area. Conservation officers have set up traps and closed several major trails, including those around the Kootenay-Columbia Discovery Centre.

RCMP and BCCOS conducted a full sweep of the site but have not yet located the bears. Trails will remain closed until further notice, and officials are asking the public to avoid the area.

Mayor and Experts Urge Vigilance

Creston Mayor Arnold DeBoon, a former conservation officer, noted that grizzly sightings have become more common in the valley due to conservation efforts. He explained that the bears are drawn to agricultural lands, often feeding on silage corn and attempting to access orchards.

“It’s something we worry about,” said DeBoon. “There are places with thick cover where bears can go unseen, even close to trails.”

Staff Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk of the Creston RCMP said the quick use of bear spray may have saved the man’s life. He urged everyone heading into wilderness areas to be prepared, especially in regions known to host predatory wildlife.

Another Predator Incident on Same Day

In a separate incident on Saturday, a man near Smithers, B.C., was attacked by a cougar in the Lake Kathlyn area. He managed to fend off the animal by punching it in the face. The man sustained minor injuries, and conservation officers are still searching for the cougar.

Do you carry bear spray when hiking or biking in the wild? Why or why not? Share your thoughts below.

More…

• https://www.nelsonstar.com/home/grizzly-bear-attack-in-west-creston-leaves-one-seriously-injured-8158350
• https://ca.news.yahoo.com/wife-fends-off-two-bears-214301784.html
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/creston-bc-bear-attack-1.7595129