'A rare predatory attack': Bear that injured women in northern B.C. was hunting them, officials say
Two women left with life-altering injuries in northeastern B.C. this week were victims of "a rare predatory attack" by a black bear, according to conservation officers.
In an update posted on social media Thursday, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service said it had concluded the bear's attack on Analyn Shurtliff, her teenage son, and her friend Leosette Canoy "was predatory in nature."
"Predatory attacks by black bears are extremely rare," the BCCOS said in a Facebook post.
Nevertheless, evidence gathered at the scene and interviews with victims and witnesses suggested that the bear was hunting the victims for food, according to the service.
"The adult male black bear that was killed on site was acting alone," the BCCOS said. "Physical evidence found during the necropsy of the bear confirmed it was the offending animal."
The attack happened on the Bear Mountain Cross Country Ski Club trails around 7 p.m. Monday, according to Dawson Creek RCMP.
"Several attempts were made to scare the bear off, however it remained and would not leave the vicinity of the victims," Mounties said in a news release Tuesday.
"RCMP officers believed the bear to be guarding the victims, so discharged a rifle, striking the bear and killing it."
Online fundraisers have been set up to assist the victims of the attack, with the one for Shurtliff indicating that she had been airlifted to Vancouver in serious, but stable condition. She had a 50 per cent chance of losing her left arm and was at high risk for infection, according to the fundraiser.
Canoy was taken to Edmonton Royal Alexandra Hospital, where her fundraiser says she may have to stay for "weeks or months."
The BCCOS said it "sends its support to the families and best wishes on their recovery."
The service also reminded the public of bear-related safety tips.
"The COS encourages anyone recreating in bear country to take precautions and equip themselves in case they encounter wildlife," the BCCOS said. "This includes being aware of your surroundings, such as noticing potential signs of bears in the area; carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it, as well as taking along noise devices – especially in the backcountry and if there is limited visibility on a trail."
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Alyse Kotyk and Ben Nesbit
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'He's in our hearts': Family and friends still seek answers one year after Nathan Wise’s disappearance
It’s been a year since Nathan Wise went missing and his family is no closer to finding out what happened to him.
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Ottawa pizzeria places among top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world at international competition
An Ottawa pizzeria is being recognized as one of the top 20 deep-dish pizzas in the world.
Canada Post cracks down on Nunavut loophole to get free Amazon Prime shipping
Amazon's paid subscription service provides free delivery for online shopping across Canada except for remote locations, the company said in an email. While customers in Iqaluit qualify for the offer, all other communities in Nunavut are excluded.
Wildfire near Fort McMurray more than triples overnight, several evacuation alerts remain in place
The fire burning near Fort McMurray grew from 25 hectares to 5,500 hectares over the weekend.
Putin replaces Russian defence minister in rare cabinet shakeup
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began a Cabinet shakeup on Sunday, proposing the replacement of Sergei Shoigu as defence minister as he begins his fifth term in office.
Man fatally 'slashed in the neck' in downtown Toronto, suspect outstanding
Police are searching for a male suspect after a man was “slashed in neck” on Sunday morning in downtown Toronto and died.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.