Man attacked by bear in Crowsnest Pass rushed to hospital: RCMP

A man in his 40s was airlifted to Foothills Hospital Friday, after being attacked by a bear while hiking in the Crowsnest Pass south of Calgary.

Mounties in the area say they received an emergency SOS activation at 11:19 a.m. on the Great Divide Trail near Window Mountain Lake.

They say a 45-year-old Calgary man had been attacked by a bear and suffered extensive injuries.

“With the assistance of Crowsnest Fire Rescue, Fish and Wildlife, and Search and Rescue, and STARS, the male was taken to hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries,” police said.

They say two hikers were in the remote area together, and one was able to signal for help with a Garmin SOS device.

Alberta Health Services say the patient was in serious condition but is expected to survive.

It was not immediately clear whether the bear was a grizzly or a black bear.

Mounties are advising those hiking in the wilderness to carry an SOS device in emergencies, to tell people about planned routes, and to share a departure and return time.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information from RCMP.