Man Hospitalized Following Life-Threatening Grizzly Bear Attack in B.C.

A man is currently hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a grizzly bear attack near Creston, British Columbia. The incident occurred on Saturday, July 26, 2025, around 4:30 p.m. while the victim, along with his wife, was riding e-bikes along the Kootenay River near West Creston. According to the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS), the attack began when the wife heard her husband scream and saw a grizzly bear approaching. In a bid to protect her husband, she utilized bear spray, but soon realized a second bear was also involved in the attack. Fortunately, her actions prompted both bears to retreat.

Emergency services were contacted immediately, and the injured man was transported to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook where he underwent surgery. Staff Sergeant Brandon Buliziuk of the Creston Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) emphasized the critical role of bear spray in potentially saving the man's life. "The preparedness in this case by way of ready access and use of bear spray may prove to have been a life-saving measure," Buliziuk stated. He also advised outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant and prepared for potential encounters with wildlife.

Following the attack, the BCCOS conducted a thorough search of the area but was unable to locate the bears. In response to the attack, several major trails in the vicinity have been closed, and signage has been installed to alert other visitors. The bears involved in the incident are believed to be two to three years old and have been known to inhabit the area for several years.

Creston Mayor Arnold DeBoon, a former conservation officer, noted an increase in local grizzly bear populations due to conservation efforts aimed at preserving the species. "Over the years, they certainly have increased in numbers in the Creston Valley itself," he remarked. He explained that the agricultural nature of the region has made it an attractive habitat for grizzlies, particularly as they seek food sources such as silage corn and cherries during late summer.

This incident marks the third reported grizzly bear attack in the Creston area in recent years, though previous attacks did not result in life-threatening injuries. Mayor DeBoon expressed concern about the potential for more encounters, especially given the dense cover in certain areas of the valley. "I’m sure there have been many times people have walked by grizzly bears and they’re in thick cover," he cautioned.

In light of these events, wildlife experts are urging individuals in the backcountry to remain vigilant and to familiarize themselves with signs of bear activity, such as bear feces, scratch marks, and overturned rocks. Lana Ciarniello, a wildlife expert based in Campbell River, advised outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of their surroundings, as distractions can lead to dangerous encounters with wildlife. "When you’re focused on something that you enjoy, you’re not always thinking about what the risk factor is," Ciarniello noted.

The BCCOS continues its efforts to monitor the area for the involved bears and to ensure public safety as the search remains ongoing. As authorities work to manage bear encounters in the region, they remind residents and visitors alike to stay informed about wildlife behaviors and safety measures while enjoying the natural beauty of British Columbia's wilderness.