Conservation officer says recent bear attack was a ‘surprise’

“Basically the workers were just setting up the camp so everything was in transit, they did have the required items, it’s just that everything was being unpacked. That night, officers found the bear and airlifted the victim 3 hours back here to Prince George.” said McArthur.

Conservation officers found out through their investigation that another worker from the mining camp shot and killed the black bear. The campsite has reopened with workers back on the job. The victim of the attack is still recovering in the hospital and officers say they’re not sure what could’ve triggered the attack.

“It was more of a surprise attack from what we figured out.”

McArthur says bear attacks are seldom but for where the campsite was located, there wasn’t much human activity which ultimately increased the risk of having bears around.

“This camp was relatively unpopulated for the last couple of years.”

McArthur says that workers have returned and they’re working with a bear safety plan. He emphasizes that people need to be prepared before going through certain areas.

“Make sure that you have a second person around. Just being by yourself is never a good idea when you’re in bear country. Pepper spray, noise makers, a lot of hazing techniques, that’s always good option.” said McArthur.

by Oli Herrera

Conservation officer says recent bear attack was a ‘surprise’

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