An elk hunter who fought off a grizzly bear outside of Cranbrook has died from his injuries.
The BC Conservation Officer Service confirmed the death on Monday and he has been identified as Joe Pendry through an online fundraiser.
“On behalf of the Conservation Officer Service and the Ministry, we would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the man who passed away from his injuries following a recent grizzly bear attack near Fort Steele,” stated a social media post from the service.
“Our thoughts are with his family and everyone impacted by this tragic loss.”
On Oct. 2, Pendry was attacked by a grizzly bear sow with cubs while out hunting for elk in the Fort Steele area.
Preliminary findings suggest the grizzly was attracted to Pendry by an elk call. Pendry was able to fire off a shot in self-defence.
The hunter was then transported to Kelowna General Hospital with serious injuries, where he remained for an extended period.
A couple of weeks later, the bear was found dead near the site of the attack. A DNA analysis confirmed it was the same bear.
Donations to a GoFundMe supporting Pendry’s family can be found online at this link.
Thumbnail photo courtesy of GoFundMe/the BC Conservation Officer Service.
