Women critically injured in northeastern B.C. bear attack identified online by friends, family
Two women who were left with life-altering injuries after a bear attack in northeastern B.C. have been identified online by friends and family.
On a GoundMe page a family friend, DeAnna Wry identified one of the victims as Analyn Shurtliff, a mother of two teenagers.
In the post, the friend says Shurtliff was with her son and two friends on Monday evening trying to find a spot for pictures near a ski trail south of Dawson Creek when the bear approached.
“As they were leaving, Analyn's teenage son heard footsteps behind the group. When he looked back he did not see anyone, he stayed behind the group and continued on toward the trailhead,” according to the online fundraising page.
“He heard footsteps again, but this time when he looked back he saw a black bear. He alerted the group and turned back to find the bear charging them. Analyn's teenage son punched the bear in an attempt to scare it off, this did not deter the bear. And it knocked him to the side, badly bruising his ribs.” Wry wrote.
Wry says the bear then attacked Shurtliff and her friend Leosette Canoy.
She says Shurtliff was transported to Vancouver in serious but stable condition, has a 50 per cent chance of losing her left arm and is at a high risk for infection.
A GoFundMe page for Canoy has been set up by her niece, The online fundraiser says Canoy was taken to Edmonton Royal Alexandra Hospital with serious injuries. No details about Canoy's condition were provided but the post says she may remain in the hospital for "weeks or months."
On Tuesday, Dawson Creek RCMP confirmed the bear had been killed.
"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.
"RCMP officers believed the bear to be guarding the victims, so discharged a rifle, striking the bear and killing it."
The B.C. Conservation Service is now leading the investigation.
With files from CTV News Vancouver’s Alyse Kotyk
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.