A tragic incident occurred when a man, Joe Pendry, who had encountered a bear while hunting elk near Fort Steele in British Columbia, Canada, succumbed to his injuries after initially surviving the bear attack. Joe’s wife, Janice, revealed that despite Joe’s brave efforts during the attack, he eventually passed away due to a blood clot.
Following the encounter with the bear and her two cubs on October 2, Joe faced severe injuries, including the loss of his lips and part of his scalp, a finger, broken nose, cheekbones, arms, and ribs. Despite the ferocity of the attack, Joe managed to defend himself and seek help by calling 911 and his son before being airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital for multiple surgeries.
Authorities confirmed that a dead grizzly bear found near the attack site was responsible for the incident. The bear reportedly died from sepsis, as per Pendry’s statement. The Conservation Officer Service recovered the bear and confirmed its involvement through DNA analysis.
WildSafeBC, a nonprofit organization, highlighted the rarity of grizzly bear attacks, emphasizing that fatalities are uncommon despite the hundreds of calls they receive each year regarding encounters with these animals. Additionally, the British Columbia Officer Service reported another bear attack incident involving two hikers in the McGregor mount area in October.
In light of these incidents, individuals navigating bear-inhabited areas are advised to remain calm, speak calmly, slowly back away, and stand their ground if a bear charges, utilizing bear spray if necessary. It is crucial to exercise caution and follow safety protocols to minimize potential risks when encountering wildlife.
