A hiker in British Columbia’s South Chilcotin region is recovering from a grizzly bear attack. The incident occurred near Gold Bridge, around 70 kilometers north of Pemberton. The hiker, a 72-year-old woman, was mauled by the bear in an area east of Tyaughton Lake, as reported by Pemberton Search and Rescue (SAR) after being alerted by the RCMP.

Search and rescue teams, along with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), quickly responded to the scene. The BCCOS deployed a specialized predator attack response team by helicopter. The hiker was located in Pearson Ridge, an isolated area accessible via forest service roads.

The B.C. Wildfire Service, engaged in nearby firefighting efforts, assisted in locating and rescuing the hiker. The injured individual was airlifted to safety from the former Gun Lake Airport by paramedics. She sustained several lacerations and a C1 neck fracture but is now in stable condition.

Authorities believe the bear attack was defensive in nature, likely by a female grizzly protecting her cub. The Ministry of Environment confirmed that no capture or removal actions have been taken against the bear, with cautionary signs placed in the vicinity.

Bear biologist Wayne McCrory, with extensive experience in bear risk assessments, expressed sympathy for the victim and emphasized the importance of precautionary measures in grizzly bear habitats. McCrory advised hikers to avoid prime feeding areas, carry bear spray, and be vigilant during peak bear activity times to prevent encounters.

The incident underscores the need for heightened awareness and safety protocols in regions where human and bear territories intersect, as encounters are not uncommon in British Columbia’s prime grizzly habitats.