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DNA Confirms Dead Grizzly Was Behind B.C. Hunter Mauling

The 63-year-old elk hunter drew on boxing skills to fend off a mother bear, remaining hospitalized after multiple surgeries.

Overview

  • Joe Pendry was attacked on Oct. 2 while hunting near Fort Steele, B.C., after encountering a mother grizzly with two cubs.
  • He shot the charging bear in the leg and fought back by punching its nose and biting its ear, allowing him to call 911 and his son.
  • Pendry suffered catastrophic injuries, including torn lips and part of his scalp, the loss of a finger, and multiple fractures to his face, arms and ribs.
  • He was airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital and has undergone several reconstructive operations as his recovery continues.
  • The B.C. Conservation Officer Service says DNA testing tied a grizzly found dead days later to the attack, and the family says they were told the animal died of sepsis.