TWO NELSON MEN ATTACKED BY GRIZZLY - TMTV News

TMTV News Nelson BC produced the story for Global TV National & top story for Global BC & CBC TV - Oct 16, 2009 -

Its every hunter's worst nightmare.

Youve nestled into your tent for the night when youre woken by the distinct sound of a bear charging.

Within seconds its on you, teething sinking into flesh as you fight for your life.

I went into survival mode as she batted me around, biting me, said Ken Scown, 36. I was kind of waiting for the bite to the head and neck and it would all be over.

Scown and Jeff Herbert were three days into an 11-day hunting trip near Canal Flats in the East Kootenays when a grizzly attacked them Wednesday night.

The bear — believed to be a sow — charged the tent as the experienced hunters from Nelson scrambled to sit up.

Within seconds it was on top of Scown as Herbert struggled to get a round into his rifle.

The grizzly was thrashing wildly as Herbert tried to shove it off his pal to clear a shot. He pulled the trigger only to hear a click — the round wasnt in the chamber.

I was screaming so hard and yelling at Jeff to shoot the bear, shoot it, Scown said. I couldnt hear much else other than my heartbeat pounding through my chest.

And then as quick as it had begun, it was over.

The men were able to untangle themselves from the shredded tent, staining the snowy ground red as blood dripped from their wounds.

As Scown, still disoriented and in shock, stood guard, Herbert built a campfire and packed up what little was left of their belongings.

The men hiked nearly five kilometres back to their trucks, where they could see bear tracks that indicated two animals had been following them that day.

It was totally a predatory attack and not a defensive attack because there was no threat, Herbert said. Unfortunately we were on the menu that night.

Herbert said the attack is especially odd because of an inversion wind that day, which would have sent their scents in the opposite direction of the bears.

It wasnt like we were rolling around in bacon grease. There were no food odours, he added.

The men were treated in hospital in Cranbrook for wounds to their forearms and a nasty bite to Scowns leg.

Both men said the attack will have them thinking twice before going on overnight hunts alone.

Its very rare to get attacked by a grizzly bear in your tent, Herbert said.

It was my worst nightmare come true . . . From now on Ill be sleeping with the gun loaded in the tent.

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[omarragbag1]

@smokeyvv haha ! Men from the town of Nelson

[smokeyvv]

What exactly are Nelson men?

[cannabisbisbisbisbis]

they're more aggressive during fall

[halflife103]

damn i hope they are alright, i live in Salmo right on a river that Bear, Cougar and deer follow all the time. gotta be careful during the fall.