BC man airlifted to Calgary hospital after grizzly attack in Kootenai

A grizzly bear attack in eastern British Columbia left one person hospitalized and the animal dead.

Emergency crews responded to the incident south of Elkford on Thursday around 3 p.m.

According to RCMP, the incident happened on a steep hillside west of Hwy 43 when two local men, a father and son, were tracking the bear with their dogs.

Police say a 36-year-old Sparwood man suffered multiple injuries, including broken bones and lacerations, after his son was “suddenly attacked” by an adult grizzly bear.

“The man was able to defend himself with a firearm and the bear ran away,” explained the RCMP in a statement. “Another man, his father, called for help.”

Several agencies including the Elkford Fire Department, BC Ambulance, Elk Valley RCMP, conservation officers and local search and rescue teams responded to the call.

While ground crews were able to move the injured man about 200 meters down the mountain, search and rescue services were able to coordinate the rescue with a longline helicopter lift.

He was first flown to a nearby helipad in Elkford, transferred to STARS Air Ambulance and transported to Calgary Foothills Hospital in fair condition.

“All other personnel were able to exit the location without further contact with the loose animal,” the RCMP said in a statement.

“The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) then dispatched a team to the mountainside to locate the possibly injured animal.”

Shortly after 9 p.m., conservationists found the bear dead near the scene.

Police said further investigation into the incident would be carried out by BCCOS if necessary.

BCCOS said it will continue to coordinate with partners today, including Alberta Fish and Wildlife, to interview the victim and preserve evidence.