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(UPDATE: Oct. 14 @ 11:18 am) – The two hikers who were attacked by a grizzly bear on Sunday are in stable condition and recovering at a hospital.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BC COS) confirmed that the two hikers were attacked by a grizzly sow who was with her two cubs.
The attack happened on Farm Cabin Trail near Pass Lake Forest Service Road.
The pair of hikers were taken to the University Hospital of Northern BC.
“We’re wishing them a full and speedy recovery,” the COS said in an update Tuesday morning.
According to the update, the COS Predator Attack Team determined the bear’s actions were defensive and no action will be taken against them.
The COS said the remote location and nature of the incident were big factors in that decision.
The trailhead remains closed and the COS is asking people to respect the closure.
Outdoor enthusiasts across the province are reminded about safety tips when travelling in bear country.
The COS said people should stay alert and make noise, travel in groups, carry bear spray, keep a clean camp, avoid bear habitats, respect trail closures and never approach bears.
If you encounter a bear, the COS urges you to stay calm, not run and speak in a calm voice while backing away.
“If the bear charges, stand your ground and use bear spray if necessary,” the COS said.
(Original story: Oct. 13 @ 3:45 pm) – Two hikers in Northern BC were attacked by a grizzly bear over the weekend.
According to the BC Conservation Officer Service (COS), the incident occurred on Sunday in the McGregor mountain area northeast of Prince George.
The service did not share whether the hikers were injured.
“COS PAT Specialists are currently investigating and, in an abundance of caution, we recommend that hiking in the Pass Lake area be cancelled,” reads a social media post from the service.
“Trails in the area will be closed until investigations are concluded.”
Earlier this month, a woman in Squamish sustained minor injuries after being attacked by a sow with cubs.
At the beginning of the month, an elk hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear with cubs in the Fort Steele area of the Kootenays.
The hunter was transported to the hospital in Kelowna with serious injuries.