Advertisement

Manitoba man who fought off polar bear to receive Star of Courage

William Ayotte of Churchill, Man., will get the Star of Courage for fighting off a polar bear attacking a woman in the northern Manitoba town. Dr DAD (Daniel A D'Auria MD)/Dr DAD (Daniel A D'Auria MD)

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.

READ MORETwo mauled in Churchill polar bear attack

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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.

Story continues below advertisement

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.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Polar bear attack victim on the mend and heading home

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.

Sponsored content

AdChoices