A family on a sunset hike Monday in British Columbia, Canada, was run down by a black bear that critically injured two of the four family members.
Both victims were women, aged 30 and 48, the according to the CBC.
A third family member, a teenage boy, suffered less serious injuries after being swatted by the bear, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.
The attack, which is under investigation, occurred on the Wolverine Trail near Dawson Creek.
“They turned to run and the bear chased after them,” the COS explained. “One woman was attacked by the bear, while another woman and teenage boy were also injured trying to help.”
The COS and Royal Canadian Mountain Police responded to the attack site and found the bear guarding the two female victims. RCMP shot and killed the bear, an adult male.
“No additional bears were located during a sweep of the area,” the COS stated, adding that a necropsy will be conducted on the bear.
All three victims were hospitalized. The trail and surrounding area were closed to the public after the incident.
