A grizzly bear attack occurred south of Cochrane, Alberta, Thursday afternoon, as reported by Alberta Fish and Wildlife. According to provincial spokesperson Sheena Campbell, the survivor’s hunting partner shot the bear involved in the attack, which is believed to be deceased, while a second bear of unknown age fled the scene. The injured hunter, in his 30s, was airlifted from the Springbank area by STARS air ambulance, located west of Calgary. Although the air ambulance service did not disclose the man’s condition, Alberta Fish and Wildlife confirmed that he survived.
EMS later updated that the man’s condition had improved from serious to non-life-threatening after being initially taken to the hospital. Bear Safety and More founder Kim Titchener highlighted the prevalence of grizzly attacks on hunters during hunting seasons in both Canada and the U.S., emphasizing the need for behavioral changes to enhance safety during outdoor activities. Titchener explained that hunters moving quietly through the wilderness may unknowingly attract bears due to noises resembling prey species, increasing the risk of surprise encounters.
As bears prepare for hibernation in the upcoming weeks, they remain active in search of vegetation to consume and fatten up for winter. Titchener noted that grizzly bear sightings near Calgary are not uncommon, referencing previous fatal bear attacks in Mountain View County. Alberta Fish and Wildlife will conduct DNA testing on the survivor to confirm the identity of the bear shot during the encounter, as indicated by Campbell’s statement.