Content: VICTORIA — Joe Pendry, a 63-year-old man, fought for his life during a grizzly bear attack while hunting elk in British Columbia's East Kootenay region on October 2. The incident occurred near Fort Steele when Pendry encountered a mother grizzly bear with two cubs.

According to his wife, Janice Pendry, Joe shot the charging bear in the leg, but it continued its assault. In a desperate struggle, he punched the bear and even bit its ear. The attack resulted in severe injuries, including the loss of his lips and part of his scalp, a lost finger, and multiple broken bones.

Drawing on his boxing experience, Pendry repeatedly struck the bear in the nose, but the animal's aggression only intensified. Eventually, he managed to fend off the bear and call for help. He contacted 911 and his son, who assisted in getting him airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital. There, he underwent several surgeries to address his injuries.

The B.C. Conservation Officer Service later confirmed that a dead grizzly found in the area days after the attack was responsible for the incident. Janice Pendry reported that officials informed her the bear died from sepsis.

Despite his survival, Joe Pendry faces a long recovery ahead. He is experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and may never return to his job as a foreman with a highway maintenance company. Janice Pendry noted that her husband “still dreams about the bear,” highlighting the lasting impact of the traumatic event on his mental health.

This harrowing experience underscores the dangers of wildlife encounters in remote areas, particularly when animals are protecting their young.