Joe Pendry, utilizing his boxing background, fought for survival during a recent encounter with a mother grizzly bear in B.C.’s East Kootenay region. The 63-year-old was hunting elk near Fort Steele when he came across the bear and her two cubs on October 2. Despite shooting the bear in the leg as it charged at him, Pendry had to resort to punching and biting the bear’s ear to defend himself. The intense struggle resulted in severe injuries, including torn lips and scalp, a lost finger, and multiple broken bones. Pendry’s wife, Janice Pendry, recounted how her husband relentlessly punched the bear in the nose, drawing on his boxing skills, but the bear’s aggression persisted. At one point, Pendry found his head in the bear’s mouth, leading to further injuries.
Following the harrowing ordeal, Pendry managed to call for help and was airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital, where he underwent extensive surgeries on his face and body. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service later confirmed that a dead grizzly found in the area was responsible for the attack, with DNA analysis linking it to the incident. Despite the traumatic experience, Pendry’s background as a boxer and outdoor guide played a crucial role in his survival, according to his wife. However, he faces a long road to recovery and is grappling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The incident has not only affected Pendry but also his wife, who is navigating the emotional toll with the support of family. As Pendry continues to recuperate, his wife expressed concerns about his ability to return to work and the lasting impact of the bear attack on their lives. The B.C. environment ministry revealed that the sow bear had two cubs with her during the encounter, emphasizing the importance of bear safety precautions. WildSafeBC advises on strategies to avoid bear encounters and highlights the rarity but potential danger of grizzly bear attacks.
