A grizzly bear attack near the West Creston Wildlife Centre on Saturday left a man with life-threatening injuries.
Creston RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, and the BC Conservation Officer Service responded around 4:50 p.m. after two young grizzlies attacked a man and woman riding their bikes along the dyke system near the bat hut.
The woman fled the area on her own.
Paramedics transported the man to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.
RCMP say the bears, believed to be two-to-three-year-old juveniles, are known to frequent the area.
Officers launched a organized search shortly after the attack.
Conservation officers have set traps, and additional personnel remain on the ground.
The victims used bear spray during the encounter, which RCMP say likely forced the bears to retreat and helped prevent further injuries.
“We are asking the public to avoid the pathway system of the West Creston Wildlife Centre for the time being,” said Staff Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP commander.
“We also remind people to exercise caution when recreating in areas inhabited by predatory wildlife, and to come prepared for potential encounters.”
RCMP thanked the BC Conservation Officer Service for its quick response and ongoing support.
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