B.C. Man Escapes Grizzly Bear Attack with Heroic Self-Rescue
In a remarkable tale of survival, Joe Pendry, a 63-year-old man from B.C., recently endured a life-threatening encounter with a grizzly bear. The incident occurred on October 2 while he was hunting elk near Fort Steele, located northeast of Cranbrook.
B.C. Grizzly Bear Attack Details
During his outing, Pendry stumbled upon a mother grizzly bear and her two cubs. As the bear charged, he attempted to defend himself by shooting it in the leg. However, the bear continued to advance, prompting Pendry to resort to hand-to-hand combat.
Injuries and Survival Efforts
In the struggle for survival, Pendry demonstrated incredible resolve. He used his boxing skills, throwing punches at the bear’s nose while also resorting to biting its ear. Despite his valiant efforts, he sustained severe injuries, including:
- Torn lips and part of his scalp
- Loss of a finger
- Multiple broken bones, including a broken nose, cheekbones, arms, and ribs
At one point during the attack, the bear had Pendry’s head in its mouth, resulting in significant damage to his face. Eventually, Pendry managed to fend off the bear and called 911, as well as his son, for emergency assistance.
Post-Rescue Recovery
Pendry was airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital, where he underwent several surgeries to address his injuries. His wife, Janice Pendry, described the ordeal, noting the gravity of the situation. She stated, “It was very touch and go. But he’s a tough fighter.”
Conservation Officer Service Findings
Days following the attack, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) discovered a deceased grizzly in the vicinity. They confirmed through DNA analysis that this bear was responsible for the attack. Unfortunately, the bear succumbed to sepsis.
Janice emphasized the critical role her husband’s boxing and outdoor skills played in his survival. She noted, “It saved his life, because not many people live through a grizzly attack.” However, she also expressed concerns about his long recovery ahead and the emotional impacts he is facing, including symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Support and Community Response
The aftermath of the incident has been challenging for the Pendry family. Janice indicated that while she strives to maintain strength for her loved ones, the emotional toll has been significant. Family has been pivotal in providing support through these difficult times.
According to WildSafeBC, the COS receives around 400 to 500 yearly calls concerning grizzly bears. Although attacks are rare, they can be fatal, leading organizations like WildSafeBC to offer guidance on avoiding bear encounters.
As Joe Pendry continues his recovery journey, his story serves as a testament to survival against the odds in the face of a grizzly bear attack.
