Woman injured in bear attack in Whistler backcountry
A hiker was airlifted to the hospital after being attacked by a bear in the Whistler backcountry. Conservation officers subsequently killed a black bear at the scene, though it remains unconfirmed if the bear was responsible for the attack.
Why it matters
The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with hiking in grizzly and black bear habitats and the importance of safety precautions.
The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) said a group of three hikers ran into two bears near Conflict Lake in the Callaghan Conservancy around 5 p.m. PT on Friday.
The service said one of the bears attacked a woman before disengaging.
Whistler Search and Rescue president Brad Sills said it helped transport conservation officers to the scene, and to evacuate the woman by helicopter.
He said the woman had a severely lacerated leg. B.C. Emergency Health Services said the victim was transported to hospital in stable condition.
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