Grizzly Bear Charge Sends Woman Fleeing Into River

Kitimat is an idyllic small coastal community in British Columbia, Canada known for its hiking trails, natural hot springs, and world class fishing. It’s also home to a healthy population of grizzly bears that frequent the lower portion of the Kitimat River, where the bears feed on berries and salmon. Residents live alongside the apex predators which sometimes end up in residential areas but its mostly a peaceful state of coexistence.

In certain cases the grizzly bears of Kitimat have been known to show aggression, especially when mother grizzlies are faced with any perceived threats to their young. Such was the case when this Katimat resident was enjoying a sunny walk on the banks of the Kitimat River near Lower Dyke Road when she was met by a grizzly bear and her two young cubs. What began as an innocent enough encounter turned chaotic in a split second as the mother launched a charge that sent the woman back pedaling into the river.

Despite getting charged, the woman did not hold any grudges against the mother grizzly who she believes “was terrified from all the people and dogs at the river and was just trying to keep her curious cubs safe.” Learn more about bear safety from British Columbian Provincial Parks below.

British Columbia Parks Bear Encounter Safety Guidelines:

• If you see a bear, stop where you are and stay calm. Never run away. Observe the bear’s behaviour to decide on your next move.
• Check you have your bear spray and make sure you can get to it quickly, if you need it.
• If the bear has not noticed you, leave the area quietly. Go back the way you came while keeping an eye on them.
• If the bear has noticed you but is not reacting to your presence, speak softly and back away slowly.
• If the bear becomes agitated, makes noises, or seems aggressive, continue backing away slowly and talking softly. Do not run away.
• While backing away, do not make eye contact, but keep the bear in sight. Take your bear spray out and get ready to use it.
• If the bear charges, stand your ground and discharge your bear spray when they are within spraying range.
• If the bear is steadily approaching you, try to get out of their way, preferably onto higher ground.
• If the bear continues to approach you, yell at them. If they get within spraying range of you, discharge your bear spray.
• If the bear knocks you down, roll onto your stomach and lie still. Protect the back of your head. Spread your feet slightly, so they cannot roll you over.
• If the bear continues to attack, or if they appear to be predatory, fight them off with everything at hand. Focus on the bear’s eyes and nose.

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