Bear Killed Camper In Northern B.C.: Officials | HuffPost

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A 300-pound black bear believed to be responsible for the attack was shot to death.

Rhianna Schmunk— The Huffington Post B.C.

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Getty Images/Flickr RF

A black bear attacked and killed a camper in northern B.C. on the weekend, said conservation officials.

Daniel Ward Folland O'Connor, 27, was sleeping outside near the fire pit at a campground outside Mackenzie on Sunday night, said a news release from the BC Coroners Service.

His fiancée, Jami Wallace, had slept in their motorhome and awoke to find him gone, O'Connor's father, Danny, told CBC News. She followed a trail of blood from their campsite to the bushes where she discovered his body.

Wallace drove for help because there was no cellphone service in the area, reported CBC.

Danny O'Connor made it to the scene to find a bear standing over his son's body, said the outlet.

RCMP and conservation officers confirmed that O'Connor's injuries were consistent with a black bear attack. A 300-pound bear, believed to be responsible for the mauling, was shot to death by a Mountie.

A lone wolf that had also been at the scene was also killed because at the time, officers didn't know what had caused O'Connor's death.

Wallace wrote on Facebook: "Ward had nothing but respect for nature. A few mornings before we watched a wolf stalk our camp, instead of scaring it away, we remained quiet and watched in awe. Ward is just as mad the bear was shot, trust me."

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Bear Safety Tips

(01 of20)

The following bear safety tips have been provided by Alberta Parks. For more information visit their website. (credit:AP)

The best methods to avoid bear encounters are:(02 of20)

BE ALERT (credit:Flickr:Edna Winti)

(03 of20)

Keep your ears open. Do no wear earphones while on trails. (credit:Flickr:jennypdx)

(04 of20)

Watch for fresh bear signs. Tracks, scat and digs indicate that a bear has been in the area. Leave the area if the signs are fresh or if you encounter carrion. (credit:WikiMedia:)

(05 of20)

Shouting regularly or singing loudly is far more effective than using bear bells. (credit:AP)

(06 of20)

Keep your dog on a leash or leave it at home. (credit:Flickr:HockeyholicAZ)

(07 of20)

Carry and know how to use bear spray. (credit:Flickr:jkbrooks85)

(08 of20)

Travel in groups and during daylight whenever possible. (credit:Flickr:lratz)

If you encounter a bear...(09 of20)

STOP! STAY CALM. Your calm behaviour can reassure the bear. Screams or sudden movements may trigger an attack. (credit:Flickr:Jeremy Bronson)

(10 of20)

NEVER RUN - running may cause the bear to pursue you. As well, pick up small children and stay in a group. (credit:AP)

(11 of20)

Bears may approach or stand on their hind legs to get a better look at you or to pick up your scent. This is their way of identifying you and is not an aggressive response. (credit:AP)

(12 of20)

BE HUMAN. Speak to the bear calmly and firmly. This indicates that you are not a prey animal. Appear passive. (credit:AP)

(13 of20)

If you have bear (pepper) spray, get your hands on it and be ready to use it. Take note of the direction and strength of the wind. (credit:Flickr:jjandames)

(14 of20)

Keep your backpack, hiking poles and other equipment - they can provide protection. (credit:Flickr:cascade.cyclist)

If the bear approaches you(15 of20)

Remain calm and prepare to use your bear spray. Assess the bear's behaviour and try to determine why it is approaching. (credit:AP)

If the bear appears defensive(16 of20)

A defensive bear will appear stressed or agitated and may make noise. Try to appear non-threatening to the bear and talk in a calm voice. Whenever the bear is not advancing, slowly move away without turning your back to the bear.If the bear continues to advance, stand your ground and keep talking. If the bear approaches to within 12 metres (40 feet) - approximately the length of school bus - use your bear spray. (credit:AP)

If the bear does not appear defensive(17 of20)

Speak in a firm voice and move out of the bear's path. If it follows you, stop and stand your ground.Shout and act aggresively.Try to intimidate the bear. Pick up a stick and/or raise hiking poles above your head to appear larger. If it approaches to within 12 m (40 feet), use your bear spray. (credit:AP)

If a bear attacks you and it is a defensive attack(18 of20)

Use your bear spray.If the bear makes contact with you, play dead! Playing dead involves lying on your stomach with your legs spread apart and your hands interlaced behind your neck to protect it. Having your legs spread makes it harder for the bear to roll you over. Remain still until you are sure the bear has left the area.Defensive attacks usually do not exceed two minutes in duration. In most cases, injuries are relatively minor. If an attack lasts longer, it is possible that the defensive attack has become predatory. (credit:AP)

If it is a predatory attack..(19 of20)

Try to escape! A car or building may provide safe refuge. If you cannot escape, DO NOT play dead. (credit:Getty Images)

(20 of20)

Use your bear spray and fight back! Make lots of noise, throw rocks, hit the animal with a branch or your poles - do everything you can to dissuade the bear from continuing the attack. (credit:AP)

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