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 accordance with a Fb submit from Yukon Conservation Officer Providers, on the night of Sunday, June 30, Vanessa Leegstra was operating on the Trans Canada Path connecting Pine Lake to Haines Junction together with her canine on leash when she encountered a bunch 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 important 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 develop into territorial and spherical on her. Leegstra says she tried to cover behind a tree for cover 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 may really feel him biting my arm, my head.”
Nonetheless, Leegstra says she was sporting a big plastic hair clip which shattered when the bear bit into her head inflicting it to let go for lengthy sufficient that she may 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 a variety of 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 underneath strategy to recuperate the fourth bear.
“We acknowledge the general public concern round euthanizing bears following a defensive assault. In circumstances like this, vital selections are made within the curiosity of public security and the protection of personnel, along with predator assault response protocols, utilizing all info 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 loads 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 protected in bear nation
If you happen to’re operating, climbing or tenting in grizzly nation, it’s vital to know precisely what to do for those who meet a bear to remain protected. In case you are charged or approached by a grizzly bear, it’s finest to go away your backpack on and play lifeless.
As scary as that may sound, it’s a defensive maneuver to assist maintain you as protected as attainable. Lie flat in your abdomen along with your palms clasped behind your neck. Unfold your legs to make it more durable for the bear to show you over. Stay as immobile as attainable till the bear leaves the realm.
Combating again often will increase the depth of such assaults. Nonetheless, if the assault persists, battle again vigorously with no matter you’ve gotten at hand – a department, rocks, certainly one of your boots – to hit the bear within the face. Study extra in our article on what to do for those who meet a bear.
This text by Julia Clarke was first revealed by Advnture on 9 July 2024. Lead Picture: A number of bears have been euthanized following the June 30 assault (Picture credit score: Getty).
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