Man Intervenes in Polar Bear Attack on Wife in Canadian North

Authorities report that a man in Canada’s northern region intervened in a polar bear attack on his wife by jumping onto the animal. The individual, whose name has not been released, sustained severe injuries but is anticipated to make a full recovery, as stated by the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service. On Tuesday, approximately at 05:00 local time (11:00 GMT), the couple departed their residence to locate their dogs. A bear, present in their driveway, then attacked the woman. This event took place in Fort Severn First Nation, a small community of approximately 400 residents situated in northern Ontario. In an official statement, police detailed the sequence of events: “The woman slipped to ground as her husband leapt on to the animal to prevent its attack.” The statement continued, “The bear then attacked the male, causing serious but non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and legs.” Subsequently, a neighbor arrived armed with a gun and fired multiple shots at the bear. The animal then withdrew into adjacent woods, where it later succumbed to its wounds. The injured man was transported to a local community nursing station to receive medical treatment. The Nishnawbe Aski Police confirmed that they “continued to patrol the area to ensure no other bears were roaming the community.” Alysa McCall, a scientist affiliated with Polar Bear International, informed the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) that human attacks by polar bears are uncommon. She explained that when such incidents do happen, the bear involved is frequently hungry, young, and in poor health. Typically, these bears inhabit areas distant from human populations, favoring time at sea for hunting ice seals. However, climate change has resulted in temperature shifts, causing ice to break apart and, in certain instances, compelling bears to move inland in search of sustenance. “If you’re attacked by a polar bear, definitely do not play dead — that is a myth,” she advised CBC, adding, “Fight as long as you can.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external sites. Details regarding their approach to external linking are available.