In a remote area about 80 miles southwest of Calgary, a 36-year-old man and his father were attacked by an adult grizzly bear while tracking a different bear with dogs. The incident occurred on May 16 near Elkford, British Columbia, and the man suffered “significant injuries,” CBS News reports.

Elk Valley Regional Royal Canadian Mountain Police responded to the attack, finding the victim with several broken bones and lacerations after his father called for help. Fortunately, the man was able to defend himself using his firearm, causing the bear to run off during the attack, according to a news release. 

The man was in stable condition when he was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Calgary. Conservation officers were able to locate the grizzly after “an extensive search,” according to reports. The bear was discovered dead. Officers were “confident that it was the bear involved in the attack” as it had multiple gunshot wounds.

While grizzly attacks are rare, they do occur and have been increasing in frequency as bear populations grow and their territories increase. This is why it’s important to always stay vigilant when recreating in known grizzly country – and bring bear spray or a firearm with you for protection.

Check out these articles by Dave Barnett that cover ways to stay safe in grizzly country: