Fisherman Survives Grizzly Bear Attack in Cardston County

A weekend fishing trip along the St. Mary River transformed into a terrifying ordeal for one man after a sudden grizzly bear attack in Cardston County.

The encounter, which occurred while the man was fishing, was described by officials as a defensive move by the grizzly.

Authorities believe it was a sow protecting her two older cubs that charged the fisherman.

The violence of the attack was sudden and instinctual.

First responders rushed the injured man to a local hospital in Cardston before he was transferred to a larger facility in Lethbridge for more comprehensive care.

Fortunately, he was released the next day and is now on the path to a full recovery.

In the wake of the incident, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Services has been actively managing the situation.

Officers immediately deployed bear traps and trail cameras throughout the area to monitor for any further activity from the sow and her cubs.

However, the bear family has not been seen since the attack.

Officials suspect the bears have simply continued moving along their natural corridor, away from the site of the encounter.

This incident is a stark reminder of the realities of sharing our spaces with powerful wildlife.

The attack in Cardston County is not an isolated event for the province, as numerous bear advisories have been issued recently.

Popular recreational areas like Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley have seen a spike in close encounters, including bluff charges on hikers.

This has led to a blanket bear advisory for all provincial parks in the region.

Albertans are being urged to exercise extreme caution and follow bear safety protocols when outdoors.

FAQ

What caused the grizzly bear attack in Cardston County?

Officials believe it was a defensive bear attack, where a mother grizzly (sow) was protecting her two cubs from a perceived threat.

Are bear warnings common in Southern Alberta?

Yes, especially in areas like Kananaskis Country and the Bow Valley. Encounters increase as more people use recreational trails in bear habitats, leading to frequent warnings and closures.

What are Fish and Wildlife officers doing in response?

They have set up bear traps and trail cameras in the area of the attack to monitor for the sow and her cubs, though they are believed to have already moved on.