Two hikers were seriously wounded by a grizzly bear while hiking in the McGregor Mountain range, northeast of Prince George, British Columbia, during the Thanksgiving weekend. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service has confirmed that the hikers are now in stable condition after the attack. The incident occurred on the Farm Cabin trail when the hikers encountered a sow with two cubs.
The bear’s actions were deemed defensive following an investigation, and no punitive measures will be taken against the bears due to the circumstances of the incident. The injured hikers were promptly transported to the University Hospital of Northern B.C. in Prince George for treatment and are currently recuperating there.
As a precautionary measure, the trailhead in the area has been closed, and hikers are advised to steer clear of the location until further notice. According to WildSafeBC, while grizzly bear attacks are uncommon, they can result in fatalities, with an average of one fatal attack in British Columbia occurring every five years.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service recommends that hikers always hike in groups, generate noise to alert wildlife of their presence, and carry essential safety items like noisemakers, bear spray, and communication devices to prevent and mitigate potential bear encounters.
