B.C. hiker recovers after grizzly bear attack east of Gold Bridge
A 72-year-old woman suffered serious injuries including a neck fracture and facial lacerations when a defensive mother grizzly attacked her on August 2 near Tyaughton Lake.
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A 72-year-old woman is recovering after being attacked by a grizzly bear while hiking in a remote area east of Tyaughton Lake near Gold Bridge in B.C.'s South Chilcotin region on August 2.
The woman was hiking in an area called Pearson Ridge when the bear attacked. During the encounter, the bear struck her repeatedly in what search and rescue officials described as violent batting motions. She sustained serious injuries including multiple lacerations to her face, arms, and neck, as well as a C1 vertebra fracture.
Pemberton Search and Rescue was notified by RCMP around 3:45 p.m. PT. Crews responded quickly and coordinated with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service, which arrived by helicopter with a three-member predator attack response team. The B.C. Wildfire Service, which was fighting a nearby wildfire, located the hiker and assisted in her rescue.
Paramedics transported her by air ambulance from the former Gun Lake Airport near Gold Bridge to hospital in serious condition. She is now recovering.
Following the attack, conservation officers collected clothing and evidence from the scene on August 2 and returned August 3 to complete their investigation and retrieve the woman's personal items. The ministry determined the attack was defensive in nature, initiated by a female grizzly with at least one cub.
Because the bear was defending her young, conservation officers decided not to remove or kill the animal. No capture devices are being set up. The ministry posted warning signs in the area as a precaution.
Bear biologist Wayne McCrory, who has conducted risk assessments for national and provincial parks in B.C. over 40 years, called the attack tragic. "My heart goes out to the person," he said. "It's difficult. I've had my own serious, very, very close near-death encounters."
McCrory noted that B.C.'s South Chilcotin region is a large protected area for grizzly bears with abundant salmon streams and prime subalpine and riparian habitat. The region has a fairly robust grizzly population, especially since the grizzly hunt was closed in 2017.
By the numbers
What injuries did the hiker sustain in the attack?
The 72-year-old woman suffered multiple facial, arm, and neck lacerations along with a C1 vertebra fracture.
Why didn't conservation officers remove or kill the bear?
The grizzly was a mother defending her cub, so the B.C. Conservation Officer Service determined the attack was defensive in nature and decided not to remove or kill the animal.
When did the grizzly hunt close in B.C.'s South Chilcotin region?
The grizzly hunt closed in 2017, contributing to a fairly robust grizzly population in B.C.'s South Chilcotin region.
