Hunting in bear country requires extra caution, whether you’re in pursuit of the grizzly, with its bad temper, or the milder black bear, which has a much more expanded range.
Although both bears are dangerous, the approach to a bear attack is very different. With a grizzly or brown bear attack, “playing dead” sometimes works, whereas if you’re attacked by a black bear, you’ll want to fight for your life. Black bears usually attack with the intent to kill you.
One unfortunate hunter in Alberta found just how deadly a bear attack can be, as reported by OutdoorHub:
A missing hunter that was found last week in Kananaskis County, Alberta appears to be the latest victim of an uptick in bear encounters across the province. According to the CBC, the remains of veteran hunter Rick Cross were found near Picklejar Creek Trail alongside his backpack and rifle. Cross was reported missing on September 6, just one day before search teams recovered his body. Officials from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed that the cause of death was severe trauma inflicted by a grizzly bear, likely a sow with cubs. Due to the presence of a fresh deer carcass nearby, conservation officers say that the bear may have been more aggressive than usual.
