Bear attacks man near Cochrane

OPP News Release

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COCHRANE – Shortly before noon, on May 11, 2013, the Cochrane Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to the report of bear attack on a male near the Girard Road area, located approximately 10 kilometers south of the Town of Cochrane.

While responding to the call, police were flagged down by two females from Timmins who informed police that they were transporting the victim of the attack to the local hospital.

The police investigation revealed that the two females, who were camping near the area of the attack, witnessed the event and heroically scared the bear away before transporting the male victim to the hospital.

The 30 year old male is being treated at the Lady Minto Hospital in Cochrane and is in stable condition.

Members of the Cochrane OPP, the OPP Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) Conservation Officers located the aggressive bear through ground and air searches and due to further Public safety concerns, the bear was dispatched. MNR Conservation Officers are presently investigating the incident.

The Cochrane OPP would like to warn members of the public not to approach any stray bears. They are further urged to report any sightings by calling the OPP at 1-800-310-1122.

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