'Defensive' grizzly bear with cubs attacks two hikers in Canada, officials say

Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald on Oct 14, 2025

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Two people were seriously injured after being attacked by a grizzly bear in the McGregor mountain range, Canadian officials said.

The hikers were attacked Oct. 12 by a sow with two cubs on Farm Cabin Trail near Pass Lake Forest Service Road, according to an Oct. 14 Facebook post by the Conservation Officer Service.

The Conservation Officer Service’s Predator Attack Team investigated the incident and “determined the bear’s actions were defensive,” according to the post.

“Due to the location and nature of the incident, no action will be taken against the bears,” officials said.

Both hikers were in the hospital as of Oct. 14 and were in stable conditions, according to the post.

This is the second grizzly attack reported by the Conservation Officer Service in British Columbia this month.

An elk hunter in the Fort Steele area was attacked Oct. 2 by a sow with her cubs, McClatchy News previously reported. Officials said the bears may have been attracted to the sound of the hunter’s elk call.

Female grizzlies are “fiercely protective of their young,” according to the British Columbia Conservation Foundation.

In 2017, British Columbia outlawed the hunting of grizzly bears due to their threatened status, but it continues to be a “controversial topic” among residents, experts said.

Grizzlies are nearing their hibernation period, which can start in October for bears living in the interior of British Columbia, and November for grizzlies in the province’s coastal regions, according to experts.

Experts recommend carrying bear spray that is accessible — “not in your backpack” — traveling in groups and being aware of your surroundings. A complete list of bear safety tips can be found on the British Columbia Conservation Foundation website.

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