Running 60 miles in length through interior British Columbia, Canada, the Babine River is is a tributary of the Skeena River and considered one of the last unspoiled and pristine rivers in British Columbia.
The Babine River corridor provides significant wildlife habitat for steelhead and salmon as well as the grizzly bears who feed on them. When fishing along the Babine River there is a high chance of potentially dangerous bear encounters and anglers are advised to immediately clean fish after they are caught and to dispose of fish entrails in deep, fast-flowing water in an effort to not attract bears.
Despite adhering to all advised precautions, encountering grizzlies while along the Babine remains a hazard as evidenced by the video below.
These fisherman were well acquainted with grizzly encounters during their annual fishing trips along the Babine and normally retreat in their presence but were trapped on a bridge as the apex predator approached:
“Normally we see a lot of bears and get pretty close but they keep their distance. This was an unusual circumstance where the bear was allowed to cross the river via the bridge by two photographers on the other end. With nowhere to go we huddled up and let the bear pass as the photographers had. The bear crossed and gave us a little jump to assert its dominance and then continued on his/her way back down to the river to fish.”
BC Parks warns that if not handled correctly, a bear encounter can result in serious injury or death. Learn more about bear safety from BC 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.
