A 32-year-old man is recovering from injuries to his face and head after a bear mauled him in a remote hiking area just east of Banff National Park in Alberta.
The man, from Calgary, Alta., was eating breakfast at around 9 a.m. in the Panther River area on Thursday when a bear came out of the wilderness and attacked him, according to the RCMP. The bear grabbed the man by his legs and dragged him, the RCMP said.
RCMP said the man managed to fight off the bear and escape but he suffered wounds to his face and head. He was also able to hike several kilometres to his car and drive to the Mountain Aire Lodge. From there, the man was airlifted by private helicopter to the Sundre Hospital, the RCMP said.
Cpl. Ron Bumbry said they’re not sure what brought the man to the remote area, but they know he wasn’t camping.
“This individual was alone and he is very lucky to be alive,” Bumbry said. “In regards to fighting off a bear attack in the first instance and being able to walk back with injuries to his vehicle and then drive himself to a lodge in the Panther River area, it's pretty amazing."
The man was transported by ground ambulance from the Sundre Hospital to a hospital in Calgary in serious but non-life threatening condition.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers are investigating the incident, Alberta Justice confirmed. The RCMP said there is no danger to the public considering the isolated location of the attack.
With files from CTV Calgary
