UPDATED: Dog Saves Owner Attacked By Bear In Provincial Park
Northwest Region OPP
Black bear on the side of Hwy 614 near Manitouwadge in 2013. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com
MALE INJURED DURING BEAR ATTACK
DRYDEN, ON – On August 3, 2013 at 12:35pm officers of the Ignace Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report of a male being attacked by a black bear in Sand Bar Provincial Park. Officers arrived and spoke with a 42 year old male from Thunder Bay and learned that the male was camping at the park and was out for a walk with his two dogs. The male decided to stop near the water to take a break, where he was attacked from behind by a mature black bear. The male was able to get away and was forced to wait in the water. The bear eventually walked away, the male felt he was safe and exited the water and attempted to walk back to his camp site. The bear attacked the male again at which point one of the dogs attempted to protect his owner and fend off the bear. The male managed to safely get away and made it to the park ranger station. He was treated for non-life threatening injuries and transported to Dryden Regional Health Center.
The bear has been shot by park officials but not located. The police are requesting all persons in the area of Sand Bar Provincial park to be extra vigilant and protect themselves from this bear. Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officers along with K9 unit have been made aware of this situation and are tracking the bear.
_____________________UPDATE_____________________
MALE INJURED IN BEAR ATTACK *UPDATE*
FROM/DE: Ignace Detachment DATE: August 5, 2013
MALE INJURED DURING BEAR ATTACK
*UPDATE*
DRYDEN, ON – On August 5, 2013 at approximately 8:00am Provincial Park officials have confirmed they caught the black bear responsible for the unprovoked attack. The bear was caught in a live trap. The trails surrounding the park still remain closed until park officials complete their investigation.
This incident was unprovoked however the police would like to remind the public to be cautious around wild animals. Please do not feed wild animals and keep your distance. They are unpredictable and could be very dangerous.
