Two people were hunting grouse in southern Alberta Sunday evening when one was injured by a grizzly bear sow, Alberta Fish and Wildlife said.
RCMP were called at around 8 p.m. to help the hunter who was hurt.
Fish and Wildlife officers believe the two hunters encountered a grizzly bear sow and cubs.
The bear “made contact and injured one of the hunters, while the other was able to shoot the bear,” Fish and Wildlife explained in a Facebook post.
The bear ran off and the uninjured hunter called for help.
The other hunter is in hospital in stable condition.
Fish and Wildlife said officers are doing a thorough scene investigation to find the bear and determine what actions need to be taken.
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The area has been closed.
Officials also offered tips to avoid conflict in the case of a bear encounter:
• Do not run. Stay calm. Stay with your group and keep children close. Assess the situation.
• Look around. If you see cubs or an animal carcass, the bear will want to protect them. If you see either, back away from them.
• Prepare to use your bear spray.
• Back out. Leave the area the way that you came. Keep your eye on the bear without staring at it aggressively.
• Watch for a place to hide. As you back away, seek out a place of safety, such as a car or building.
• Speak to the bear in a soft, low voice. Let the bear know that you are human and not a prey animal.
• Use your noisemaker and prepare to defend yourself with bear spray.
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