Bear attack victim recovers in Prince George Hospital

PRINCE GEORGE – Conservation Officers have determined that a tree planter seriously injured by a bear yesterday near Tumbler Ridge was the victim of a defensive attack.

The 21-year-old woman was planting trees in a cut-block area southwest of Bearhole Lake Provincial Park when the incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m.The bear first bluff-charged, and the victim retreated to a nearby roadway, where the bear attacked.

Conservation Officers determined bear activity was evident in the area, although no bears were seen upon attendance. Conservation Officers can’t confirm but believe the attack involved a grizzly bear.

The victim remains in the Prince George Hospital in stable condition. Due to the defensive nature of the attack, and the remote location, COS believes the risk to public safety is low and is not undertaking any trapping efforts.