2 women in ICU after being savaged by black bear that guarded the victims ‘for its next meal’
DAWSON CREEK, BRITISH COLUMBIA: While on their evening trail hike, two Canadian women were mauled by a male black bear before being rushed to intensive care. Leosette Canoy and Analyn Shurtliff Bartolome had planned to enjoy fresh "fall leaves" at Wolverine Trail on Bear Mountain with two other family members, but it turned into the most horrific experience of their lives. According to the police, two Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers they found the two women lying in the bush severely injured with the bear "guarding their bodies."
The incident took play on Monday, October 3, when the mothers along with Canoy’s niece and Bartolome’s son decided to spend quality time in nature and click pictures of fall leaves. Canoy, as per the police has been sedated and undergoing more than six hours of surgery. She was chewed up by the beast and suffered from horrific injuries. On the other hand, Bartolome's condition is serious too, but is in a more stable condition. However, it is quite likely that she will lose her left arm because of the multiple slashes from the bear.
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It is reported that the group had ended their fall walk, and just then Bartolome’s teenage son heard footsteps from behind. It was the black bear that had been following them and took a charge at the group, knocking Bartolome’s son down and attacking the others.
Bartolome’s son tried punching the bear as he tried to scare him off, but that didn’t stop him. Canoy, who works as a caregiver for disabled people, tried to scare the massive animal, but instead, he went for her. The two other survivors escaped the attack by fleeing to a nearby trail cabin and called 911 and waited for help to arrive at the scene.
Staff Sgt Damon Werrell officially confirmed that the black bear has been shot by the responders and no other bears have been spotted during a search of area. The trail has been currently shut down to visitors.
Gary Hansen, Canoy’s husband told CBC, “She's my gift from God. It's horrific to see my wife like that. The bear chewed her up bad.” He added that he can’t even hold his wife's hand since her limbs are severely injured, and has been disturbed at the thought of the bear "guarding his wife's injured body ‘for its next meal,'" as reported by Daily Mail.
Wenneli Canoy, niece to Leosette wrote on social media, “Most of the time I'm spaced out because of what happened, it keeps popping in my head. I felt guilty when I saw my Aunt attacked by the bear and I escaped to call for help. I always cry every time I saw her state in the ICU and felt sorry for her.” Canoy’s stepson Ross expressed his grief on social media saying, “She is one of my favorite people on this planet.”
Following this tragic incident, GoFundMe pages have been set up by both Canoy and Bartolome's families.
