Calgary man survives bear attack, hikes back to vehicle

A Calgary man is in hospital after being attacked by a bear in the Panther River, Alta. area.

The 32-year-old man was eating on Thursday at about 9 a.m. in a wildernessarea popular with hikerswhen he was attacked.

"A bear actually came out of the woods and grabbed him by the legs," said Sundre RCMP Cpl. Ronald Bumbry.

"But the male managed to fight off further attacks and was able to hike back to his vehicle, which was severalkilometersaway. He was then able to drive to aPanther River lodge to seek assistance."

The man was taken by private helicopter to the SundreHospital and then to Calgary by ambulance. He suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries to his head and face.

Bumbry said police don't know what kind of bear attacked the man, but it's possible the animalmay have been attracted by the smell of food.

Panther River is northwest of Calgary, near Banff National Park.

Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers are now investigating.

Spokesman Brendan Cox said the man may have been scouting for hunting spots before Friday's start of the bighorn sheep season. He was about12 to 13 kilometres away from the trailheadnear the headwaters of the river when the bear attacked.

"Due to the remote location of the attack, there is no danger to the public at this time,"RCMPsaid in a news release.