A 25 year old woman has been transported to hospital via STARS Air Ambulance after being attacked by a bear in the M.D. of Bighorn.

At approximately 12 p.m. Cochrane RCMP were called to assist EMS with a bear mauling in the area of the Trappers Hill Campground.

An EMS spokesperson has confirmed the woman sustained minor non-life threatening injuries.

Brendan Cox, Public Affairs Officer with Alberta Fish and Wildlife says the woman was bitten by the bear.

"She was bitten on the forearm," he says. "The bear was then scared away by a man that she was with."

Cox says the bear involved was a grizzly, with two cubs.

The scene by the Ghost River, near TransAlta road has been closed off.

"Officers are on scene, they are closing the area, and will be investigating further to determine the next steps from here."

 UPDATE:

Fish and Wildlife Officers have determined the incident was a defensive encounter, and the bear acted naturally to protect her cubs.

A large area closure is in place from the gates at Bar C Ranch, west along TransAlta Rd. all the way to Banff National Park, while officers monitor the situation.

The closure will be lifted when officers feel its safe.