A peaceful e-bike ride for a husband and wife near the Kootenay River in British Columbia turned into a terrifying struggle for survival after they accidentally startled two grizzly bears. The attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, as the couple rode through a forested section of trail.
According to the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (COS), the bears charged after being surprised. The woman said she first heard her husband scream, then saw a bear running straight at her. As she grabbed her bear spray, she noticed a second grizzly attacking her husband. She used the spray to drive both bears away.
Emergency responders rushed the man to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for serious injuries. Officials later confirmed he is expected to make a full recovery.
Inspector Dave Webster of the COS praised the couple’s preparedness, noting they not only carried bear spray but also knew how to use it effectively. He urged others visiting bear habitats to take similar safety precautions.
Following the attack, conservation officers interviewed the victims, examined the area, and consulted a wildlife expert. The conclusion was that the bears were acting defensively after being surprised in thick brush. Authorities found no evidence that the bears had stalked the couple, nor had there been any recent reports of bear aggression in the area.
Despite efforts to locate the animals—including trail closures, traps, and searches—the bears were not found. Because their actions appeared to be defensive, officials chose not to pursue or relocate them.
COS stressed that bear spray remains one of the most effective tools for deterring bear attacks, calling it as essential as a seat belt for anyone venturing into bear country.
