Bear attack in Water Valley area northwest of Calgary

A man in his 50s has been taken to hospital after a bear attack in the Water Valley area on Highway 579 and Range Road 52 at around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday.

EMS said the man was taken to Foothills Hospital with what appeared to be non-life threatening soft tissue injuries throughout his body.

The man told paramedics he had an altercation with a grizzly bear, a short distance west of the back country.

After a brief struggle with the bear, the man was able to get away in his vehicle and drive to a store to get help from Park Rangers.

RCMP said the man was “geocaching” in the Harold Creek area when he encountered the bear. The bear then charged the man and attempted to drag him off into the bush, according to RCMP.

Geocaching is an outdoor activity that is similar to a treasure hunt, according to Parks Canada.

READ MORE: Concerns raised over ‘geocaching’ after man attacked by grizzly bear

Mounties said that due to the remote location of the attack, there is no danger to the public at this time.

The investigation has now been taken over by local Fish and Wildlife.

Water Valley is about 65 kilometres northwest of Calgary.