Grizzly bear attacks, injures mountain biker on remote B.C. trail
Man, 58, attacked while riding Castle Pass Trail in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park
A grizzly bear attacked a man who was mountain biking Sunday in a remote area of British Columbia's Interior.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says the 58-year-old man was riding along the Castle Pass Trail in South Chilcotin Mountains Provincial Park northwest of Lillooet, B.C., when he was attacked by a sow that had two cubs with her.
The service says the man's wife used bear spray on the sow and the animal left with her cubs.
It says the man has injuries to his stomach and leg, but his head was protected even though the bear bit right through his helmet.
When biking or hiking in bear country, remember to be aware of your surroundings, carry bear spray, travel in groups, make noise to avoid surprising a bear, keep pets leashed and more. For safety tips, visit <a href="https://twitter.com/wildsafebc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WildSafeBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/b1x5qP0S8O">pic.twitter.com/b1x5qP0S8O</a>
—@_BCCOSSearch and rescue crews along with an air ambulance were called for assistance by the RCMP.
The service sent in its predatory attack team on Monday, which determined the bear attacked the man in defence when it was surprised and there will be no effort to capture the mother or her cubs.
It's the second bear attack in a week in the Lillooet area, although the service says it isn't connected.
On Aug. 9, a man came out of his tent and surprised a black bear sow with her cub. He suffered injuries to an arm.
The service made no effort to capture the bears after determining their attacks were defensive.