Woman airlifted to hospital after bear attack near Whistler, B.C.

A woman hiking in the backcountry near Whistler, British Columbia, was seriously injured by a bear attack on Friday evening. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. in the Callaghan Conservancy area, near Conflict Lake, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service. Three hikers came across two bears during their trek. One of the bears launched an attack on a woman before the bear retreated.

A specialized team, including the Predator Attack Team from the Conservation Officer Service, Squamish RCMP, and Squamish Search and Rescue, responded to the scene via helicopter. The woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment. An adult male black bear was discovered at the attack site and was subsequently killed due to safety concerns.

However, authorities have not yet determined whether the bear was a black bear or a grizzly bear. The investigation into the incident continues, with officials returning to the area on Saturday. Trail access in the vicinity has been closed, and the Conservation Officer Service is urging the public to avoid the area until the investigation is concluded.