On July 26 at approximately 4:50 p.m., Creston RCMP along with BC EHS and BC Conservation Officer Service responded to the West Creston Wildlife Park in response to a reported bear attack.

Upon arrival, a male and female were located who had been attacked by a pair of grizzly bears. The male was transported to hospital with serious and life-threatening injuries, while the female was able to leave the scene of the attack on her own accord.

Additional BC COS and RCMP Officers were called in to conduct a coordinated search for the two bears, believed to be two-to-three-year old juvenile grizzly bears, known to have been in the area over the past couple years.

The victims had been riding their bicycles along the dyke system near the bat hut when they were attacked by the pair of bears. The use of bear spray ultimately led to the retreat of the bears.

“We are asking the general public to avoid the pathway system of the West Creston Wildlife Centre for the time being,” stated S/Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP Detachment commander.

“BC Conservation are continuing their efforts to locate these bears to ensure public safety. Traps are in place, as well as active personnel in the area. We’d also like to remind people to exercise caution when making decisions around partaking in recreational activities in areas known to inhabit predatory wildlife, and to ensure you’re educated and prepared for potential encounters.

“The preparedness in this case by way of ready access and use of bear spray may prove to have been a life saving measure. We would like to thank the BC Conservation Officer Service personnel from around the Kootenays for their quick response to the valley and continued support throughout this incident.”

e-KNOW file photo

e-KNOW

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