Man mauled by grizzly also shot in rescue attempt

FERNIE, B.C. – A 56-year-old man is recovering in a Calgary hospital after getting mauled by a grizzly bear while hunting Sunday morning near the East Kootenay town of Fernie.

A spokesman for STARS air ambulance says a crew responded to an emergency call just before 9:30 a.m.

David Fairbanks says the man was not only attacked, but also shot by his hunting partner who was trying to neutralize the animal.

B.C.'s environment ministry says the hunting partner managed to kill the bear and was not injured in the incident.

The man was in stable condition when he was flown from the area and his injuries are described as non life-threatening.

Provincial conservation officers from Fernie and Cranbrook are examining the scene.