A Yukon runner who lately survived a grizzly bear assault has described how she thinks her hair clip performed a job in saving her life.
In line with a Fb put up from Yukon Conservation Officer Companies, on the night of Sunday, June 30, Vanessa Leegstra was working on the Trans Canada Path connecting Pine Lake to Haines Junction along with her canine on leash when she encountered a gaggle of grizzly bears on the path.
“Whereas the person tried to extend house, their canine broke free triggering a defensive response from one of many bears. The bear attacked the person leading to vital accidents requiring medical consideration,” writes the YCOS.
Leegstra is recovering in hospital from the place she spoke to CBC information yesterday describing the assault. She says her canine chased the feminine bears away, inflicting the male grizzly to grow to be territorial and spherical on her. Leegstra says she tried to cover behind a tree for defense however the bruin reached her earlier than she made it.
“He grabbed my head and wrapped his paws round me. And I simply keep in mind the claws digging into my again. I might really feel him biting my arm, my head.”
Nonetheless, Leegstra says she was carrying a big plastic hair clip which shattered when the bear bit into her head inflicting it to let go for lengthy sufficient that she might get behind the tree. Her barking canine then distracted the bear, giving Leegstra sufficient time to flee onto the freeway and name for assist. Along with various lacerations throughout her physique and head, Leegstra suffered a damaged arm within the assault.
YCOS experiences that an officer was dispatched to the scene instantly the place they euthanized a bear and closed a close-by campsite. Two extra bears have since been euthanized with efforts below strategy to recuperate the fourth bear.
“We acknowledge the general public concern round euthanizing bears following a defensive assault. In circumstances like this, important choices are made within the curiosity of public security and the security of personnel, along side predator assault response protocols, utilizing all data out there,” writes the division.
For her half, Leegstra tells CBC that she was born and raised within the Yukon and understands wildlife security and acknowledges the dangers of recreating in bear nation.
“I already had a whole lot of respect for grizzly bears and now I’ve even a extra profound respect for them,” she says.
“I don’t blame the bear and I don’t blame myself or my canine. It simply occurred to be the unsuitable place on the unsuitable time.”
Staying secure in bear nation
When you’re working, mountain climbing or tenting in grizzly nation, it’s essential to know precisely what to do in case you meet a bear to remain secure. If you’re charged or approached by a grizzly bear, it’s greatest to go away your backpack on and play useless.
As scary as that may sound, it’s a defensive maneuver to assist hold you as secure as doable. Lie flat in your abdomen along with your fingers clasped behind your neck. Unfold your legs to make it tougher for the bear to show you over. Stay as immobile as doable till the bear leaves the realm.
Combating again normally will increase the depth of such assaults. Nonetheless, if the assault persists, struggle again vigorously with no matter you could have at hand – a department, rocks, one among your boots – to hit the bear within the face. Be taught extra in our article on what to do in case you meet a bear.
This article by Julia Clarke was first printed by Advnture on 9 July 2024. Lead Picture: A number of bears have been euthanized following the June 30 assault (Picture credit score: Getty).
What you are able to do
Assist to save lots of wildlife by donating as little as $1 – It solely takes a minute.
