A couple’s leisurely bike ride on Canadian trails turned alarming when they encountered two grizzly bears over the weekend.
Local officials noted that the quick reactions of the woman likely saved their lives; she used bear spray to fend off the animals.
The incident happened around 4:30 PM on Saturday, July 26, while they were e-biking near the Kutenai River. According to the British Columbia Conservation Officer Services (COS), the bears attacked after being startled.
The woman reported hearing her husband yell before she spotted one bear approaching her. In a panic, she grabbed the bear spray and noticed a second grizzly confronting her husband. She quickly deployed the spray again, managing to drive both bears away.
The man suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital by emergency responders, where he underwent surgery. Thankfully, he is expected to make a full recovery.
“The couple was well-prepared,” COS inspector Dave Webster mentioned in a Facebook post. “They had bear spray readily available and knew how to use it. Their actions should be commended, and we encourage everyone in bear country to take similar precautions.”
After the attack, officers spoke with the couple, examined the area, and consulted with wildlife experts.
In a statement released two days post-incident, the COS indicated that the bears’ behavior seemed defensive, suggesting the couple might have inadvertently startled them in a thickly wooded area.
No signs indicated that the bears were hunting or stalking the couple, and there had been no recent bear attacks reported in the vicinity.
Officers searched the area that same day but found no evidence of the bears. They closed off three main trails and set traps without capturing any animals. Further searches the next day yielded no bear sightings.
Since the bears appeared to have acted in self-defense, officials decided there was no need to pursue or move them.
Authorities emphasized that bear spray remains a proven and effective means of deterring bear attacks.
