A woman used bear spray to fend off two grizzly bears and save her husband on a trail in British Columbia, Canada, according to the province's Conservation Officer Service.
The couple were e-biking along the Kootenay River on Saturday when they encountered the bears. The woman heard her husband scream and saw a grizzly bear running towards her. She deployed bear spray, then noticed a second bear attacking her husband and used the spray again, causing both bears to flee.
The husband sustained significant injuries and was taken to hospital for surgery. Officials said the attack was defensive, likely because the couple startled the bears in a surprise encounter on a corner of the trail with thick brush. No evidence of stalking or hunting was found.
Three major trails were closed as a precaution, and traps were set but no bears were seen during sweeps. The Conservation Officer Service praised the couple's preparedness, noting they had bear spray readily accessible and knew how to use it.
Inspector Dave Webster said many people recreate in bear country without proper precautions. The National Park Service advises playing dead if attacked by a grizzly, but fighting back if the attack continues, aiming for the face.
