A 21-year-old woman was viciously attacked by a bear on Thursday while planting trees in Bearhole Lake Provincial Park, a wildlife refuge in northeastern Canada. The conservation officer was severely injured and is currently in stable condition in a hospital in Prince George.
According to the Conservation Officer Service, there is no definitive physical evidence but it is believed that the assailant was a grizzly bear.
The tree planter was in a cutblock area near the park when the bear charged, causing her to retreat to the roadside. The bear then followed and attacked her before running away. A co-worker came to her aid and she was airlifted to the hospital.
The attack is thought to be defensive in nature, and the risk to public safety is considered to be low. The Government of Canada estimates that there are around 16,000 grizzly bears in British Columbia, and although attacks are rare, grizzlies are more aggressive than black bears.
Bearhole Lake Protected Area is a popular spot for recreational activities, and visitors are strongly recommended to carry bear spray and to stay in groups to reduce the risk of harm.