A retired couple from Canada is believed to have been mauled to death by a bear while on a fishing trip, according to police. Jay and Deb MacDonald, both in their 70s, had been staying at a cabin near McTavish Lake, Saskatchewan, when they stopped responding to phone calls. Relatives contacted the authorities, who launched a search and discovered two bodies. Formal identification is pending, but family members have confirmed the couple's identities.
Discovery of the Bodies
Deb's brother, Donjames LeBlanc, told CBC that police found Jay 'lying by the lakeshore dead' and later discovered Deb's body in the woods near the cabin. The couple had previously mentioned to LeBlanc that there were large numbers of black bears in the area. A mass was held for the couple on Thursday.
Bear Involvement Confirmed
Canada's Ministry of Community Safety confirmed on Friday that a bear was involved in the deaths. Conservation officers were dispatched to euthanize a bear believed to be responsible. The animal will be transported to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for a necropsy to confirm its involvement.
Remote Location
McTavish Lake is a remote lake located approximately 55 miles north of La Ronge, the nearest large town, and is only accessible by plane. The area is known for its black bear population, which the couple had noted to family before their trip.
