On May 16, at approximately 3 p.m., Elk Valley Regional RCMP responded to a report of a bear attack just south of Elkford on a steep mountain side near the Industrial Park to the west of Highway 43.

Two local males had been tracking a black bear with dogs when a 36-year-old Sparwood resident was attacked suddenly by an adult grizzly bear. The man suffered numerous injuries, including broken bones and lacerations to his body during the attack. The man was able to defend himself with his firearm and the bear ran off. The other man, his father, called for help.

A multi-agency response – including Elkford Fire Department, BC Ambulance, RCMP, Conservation officers and local SAR teams –  attended to assist.

SAR was able to coordinate a helicopter long line lift response and this was completed after moving the injured man approximately 200 metres down the mountain side to make the long line rescue possible.

Highway 43 had been closed for a short time while consideration was given to a landing spot for the air ambulance. The man was flown to a nearby helipad in Elkford, where STARS air ambulance was waiting to take him to Calgary Foothills Hospital. He was in stable condition leaving the scene.

All remaining personnel was able to exit the location without other contact with the animal, which remained at large.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service then sent a team up the mountain side in an attempt to locate the possibly injured animal.

Shortly after 9 p.m., Conservation indicated they had found the bear deceased near the original scene.

Elk Valley Regional RCMP wish to express their appreciation for the hard working people and volunteers who responded and worked together to bring the injured man down the mountain.

e-KNOW file photo

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