WINNIPEG — A Manitoba man who fought off a polar bear while it attacked a woman will receive Canada’s second highest award for bravery.
Governor General David Johnston will present the Star of Courage to Churchill’s William Ayotte in a ceremony in Ottawa Friday.
Ayotte made headlines around the world in November 2013 when he rescued Montrealer Erin Greene, 32, from a polar bear attack in Churchill. Ayotte beat the bear with a shovel, which distracted it long enough for Greene to escape.
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But then the bear turned on Ayotte, 71, and began to maul him. Neighbours eventually scared the animal off with firecrackers and a pickup truck. Conservation officers shot and killed it later.
Ayotte and Greene were both airlifted to Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg with severe injuries but later recovered.
READ MORE: Man attacked by polar bear recovering, family says
The Star of Courage “recognizes acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril,” according to the office of the Governor General. It is second only to the Cross of Valour in Canada’s civilian decorations for bravery.
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Ayotte won’t be the only Manitoban recognized at Rideau Hall Friday.
Paul Jakob Peters of Winnipeg, Daniel Leroy Privé of Île-des-Chênes and Ernest Jason Quick of Narol will receive the Medal of Bravery for rescuing a man from a burning truck in Winnipeg in October 2012.
The Medal of Bravery “recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances” and is third on the list of Canadian civilian decorations for bravery.
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