72-year

A 72-year-old woman was seriously injured in a grizzly bear attack near Goldbridge, B.C.

The Conservation Officer Service received a report from the RCMP in Lillooet on Aug. 2 that a woman had been attacked in a remote area near the small community, which is about a one-hour and 45-minute drive west from Lillooet.

The service said it responded immediately by helicopter with a three-member predator attack response team, along with a search and rescue medic, an ER doctor and a fire crew in the area.

The victim was airlifted by BC Ambulance to Vancouver General Hospital.

Conservation officers returned to the site on Aug. 3 to collect evidence and retrieve the victim’s personal items.

The investigation and victim statement have led the team to believe this was a defensive attack by a female grizzly with at least one cub, the Conservation Officer Service said.

They confirmed they will not be removing or killing any bears or setting up any capture devices, but they have put up signs in the area as a precaution.

Tips for wildlife safety can be found on the BC Parks website.