Wildfire fighter attacked by grizzly bear while on the job in northern B.C.
A B.C. wildfire fighter had a frightening encounter with a grizzly bear while on duty at the Summit Lake fire, located approximately 110 kilometers west of Fort Nelson in the province’s far northeast. The incident occurred on Friday morning, leaving the firefighter with scratches and bites from the bear.
According to B.C. Wildfire information assistant Emily Baker, the crew leader was scouting ahead of the group when he came across a mother grizzly bear with two cubs. In a sudden turn of events, the mother bear charged at the individual. The crew leader managed to defend himself using a hand tool while calling for help. Other crew members rushed to the scene, revving chainsaws and shouting to scare the bear away.
The injured firefighter was promptly airlifted to a hospital with relatively minor injuries and has since been discharged. Conservation officers investigating the incident deemed it to be defensive in nature, as it occurred in a remote area. As a result, there are no plans to capture or euthanize the bear involved.
Grizzly bear attacks are rare but can be fatal, with an average of fewer than one fatal attack in B.C. every five years, according to WildSafeBC. Unlike black bears, grizzlies are more likely to stand their ground when they feel threatened, stemming from their evolution in a treeless environment.
To avoid surprising grizzly bears while hiking in their habitats, the B.C. Wildfire Service advises making noise to alert them of your presence. In the event of a grizzly bear attack, Parks Canada recommends different responses based on whether the bear is defensive or predatory.
If the bear is defensive, protecting its young, individuals should appear non-threatening, speak calmly, and slowly move away if the bear stops advancing. If the bear continues to approach, standing ground, talking, and using bear spray may deter the bear. If contact is made, falling to the ground, playing dead, and waiting for the bear to leave is recommended.
On the other hand, if the bear is potentially viewing you as prey, displaying aggressive behavior such as speaking firmly, making loud noises, and using bear spray if necessary is advised. Individuals should attempt to intimidate the bear and stand their ground if it continues to follow.
It is essential to understand the behavior of grizzly bears and know how to react appropriately in case of an encounter to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife. By being prepared and educated on proper bear safety protocols, individuals can mitigate the risk of conflicts with these magnificent creatures.
