Skier released from health centre after polar bear attack
Bear euthanized by Parks Canada officers after incident last week in Auyuittuq National Park
Parks Canada says a skier was injured by a polar bear Thursday in Auyuittuq National Park. (File photo by Mélanie Ritchot)
The skier who was attacked last week by a polar bear in Auyuittuq National Park appears to have escaped the incident with only minor injuries.
Other park visitors were in the area early Thursday morning when the incident occurred, said Margaret Friesen, a Parks Canada spokesperson, Monday morning in an email update.
They administered first aid to the victim and contacted Parks Canada staff, who arrived at around 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning. A helicopter evacuation was not possible because of weather conditions, so staff transported the group approximately 50 kilometres by snowmobile from the Summit Lake emergency shelter to Pangnirtung.
“The individual was assessed by the health-care team and not kept for further testing or care,” Friesen said.
It’s not clear how the group intervened to stop the attack or the nature of the injuries the victim sustained.
Parks Canada staff have euthanized the bear and turned its carcass over to the Pangnirtung hunters and trappers organization.
Auyuittuq National Park is located on Baffin Island between the communities of Pangnirtung and Qikiqtarjuaq.
Parks Canada warns visitors to be especially wary of polar bears in March and April, when females with cubs are emerging from their dens.
While non-Inuit beneficiaries are not allowed to carry firearms into national parks, the use of other bear deterrents such as bear spray, noisemakers and portable electric fences is recommended.
“While non-Inuit beneficiaries are not allowed to carry firearms into national parks”
This is wrong in so many ways. Baffin island is not Banff. This polar bear attack is 100% the fault of Parks Canada and their crazy rules.
I completely agree. They should be held liable for any polar bear attacks. It’s crazy to think that in Svalbard, they don’t allow people to step into polar bear territory without a gun, and here they’re forcing hikers to expose themselves to a danger by not carrying one.
Why are there hikers in polar bear country – especially during spring? Who’s idea was this?
Who forced the hikers into polar bear country? These people go on their own free will. You are going into bear country expect hazards.
This was 100 % not the bears fault as it was obviously not a predatory attack ,the bear was most likely protecting cubs ,or startled..sad ending to a preventable situation
If there are cubs sure hope they can find them and save them
I’ve dealt with wildlife in the bush.Done surveys in black bear,wolf, lynx, Moose, etc, country. Our heads were always on swivels, especially in Spring. But, if you’re stupid enough to go into bear or other wildlife country to ski or whatever when you are only concerned about having fun,you deserve whatever wildlife does to you. No sympathy here. There are always posted signs to watch for whatever animals there are in the area. Although, I do believe that either no one, (excluding wildlife wardens, etc.) should be able to carry firearms in the parks or everyone should be allowed.
Perfect opportunity for young Inuit to become polar watch…. each tourist or groups to have a hired guide… take it as a way to make it safer….
What are the requirements and qualifications for a hired bear monitor? I know someone who had to be airlifted out because their hired bear monitor started flipping out and having a complete breakdown. He was also very angry about the strenuous hike. Would hired bear monitors be able/willing to ski? I don’t understand why the hiker/skier can’t carry the gun. The middle of nowhere in bear country is scary place to find out your armed travel companion isn’t feeling it or losing their mind.
People should be responsible and to know and knowing the territory; bears are not at fault. People are!