A married couple that was e-biking along a Canadian trail startled two bears that attacked them over the weekend, requiring one person to undergo surgery, according to local officials. The incidentoccurred around4:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 26, as the husband and wife were e-biking along the Kootenay River when two grizzly bears attacked them, according to information shared by the Conservation Officer Service (COS) in British Columbia. Officers interviewed the couple, assessed the area and spoke to a carnivore specialist, who stated the bears likely acted in self-defense. Two days afterthe ordeal, the Conservation Officer Service said the bears' reaction "was defensive in nature," and the couple likely surprised the animals at the corner of the trail, which has thick brush around it. The service found no evidence that the bears were stalking or hunting the couple, and there have been no recent reports of bear activity or aggressive bear behavior in the area before the attack. "These people were well-prepared,"COS Insp. Dave Webster said in a Facebook post. "They had bear spray, had it readily accessible, and knew how to use it. We'd like to recognize these actions and encourage anyone hiking, biking or recreating in bear country to take similar precautions." The woman told officials she heard her husband scream, then she saw a grizzly bear running toward her. As she grabbed her bear spray, she noticed a second bear attacking her husband. "She again used bear spray and both bears ran off," Webster wrote, noting that the husband suffered "significant injuries." He isexpected to recover, the service later said. The couple called for help, and once emergency services arrived, the husband was taken to a hospital where he underwent surgery. That day, officers swept the area but found no bears, and three major trails in the area were closed off with signs added. Officials also set traps, although no bears were captured. The following day, officers searched the area and found no bears. Trails remained closed, they said. Due to the bears acting in self-defense, the service will not capture the animals. The trails will remain closed until Aug. 1, as advised by the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Parks confirmed to USA TODAY. Updates will be posted atwww.crestonwildlife.ca. It's possible to run into bears along busy trails close to town or in the remote backcountry, according toParks Canada. Parks Canada said situations in which bears stalk or hunt humans along a trail are rare. While bears try to avoid people, interactions do occur. Some ways to avoid bear encounters include: Slowing down in shrubby areas and when approaching blind corners. Making noise and letting the bears know you are there. You can do this by yelling, clapping your hands, singing or talking loudly, especially near streams, dense vegetation and berry patches, on windy days and in areas of low visibility. Looking for fresh bear signs such as tracks, droppings, diggings, torn-up logs and turned-over rocks. Always keep dogs on leashes and under physical control. Hiking in larger groups of four or more. And if, by chance, you encounter a bear anyway,Parks Canadasaid some best practices include: Carrying bear spray with you at all times and making sure it is easily accessible. Stopping and remaining calm; do not run away. Moving away quietly without getting its attention. Speaking to the bear calmly and firmly, this will let the bear know you are human and not a prey animal. If the bear stands on its hind legs and waves its nose about, it is trying to identify you. Making yourself appear larger than you are and picking up small children. This story has been updated to add information. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia–the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Woman uses bear spray to rescue husband, fend off grizzlies in Canada
