A 32 year old Calgary man survived a grizzley mauling after camping in the backcountry near Sundre last Thursday (August 24).

Alberta Fish and Wildlife have taken over the investigation after the man was attacked in a remote area near the headwaters of the Panther River.

Brendan Cox, Justice and Solicitor General, Public Affairs Officer, says the man was scouting the backcountry in anticipation of the big horn sheep season which opened Friday am. "He was about 12 to 13 kilometres away from trailhead when the incident took place."

The man was able to escape the attack and hiked back to the trailhead where he drove himself to the Mountain Aire Lodge. From there, he was airlifted in a private helicopter to the Sundre Hospital before being transported to a hospital in Calgary.

The man suffered serious injuries to his body, head and face but not considered life threatening. While Cox could not confirm whether bear attacks are up from 2016, he did say that we see a small number of incidences like this every year. "We do need to be diligent and encourage people to be bear smart and take all the necessary precautions when they are in the backcountry."

For hunters, Cox, says there are things they should avoid doing. "For someone that is hunting; being quiet, using animal attractants and calls, travelling alone... those things can elevate the risk of a bear encounter. It's important that hunters take the necessary precautions." 

With the long weekend fast approaching, Cox, reminds campers and hunters to pay attention and obey signs of closures in areas that have been closed due to bear or other wildlife activity which is noted here.

If you are looking forward to a weekend of recreating, Cox, gives his advice. " Make sure you travel in a group, make noise as you go (air horn), carry bear spray and have it somewhere where you can access it quickly if need be, not storing it in your backpack but having it in a holster at your belt."

Other pointers include:

  • no earbuds to hinder awareness
  • look for signs of bear activity such as scat, overturned rocks and digging
  • magpies or crows circling an area
  • if you come across a bear go back the same way you came, moving slowly

If do see or encounter a bear call the Report a Poacher line at 1-800-642-3800, 24 hours a day.