Tragic: Bear Kills Two Campers In The Banff Backcountry
Sad news… an aggressive bear attacked and killed a couple (Doug Inglis, 62, and Jenny Gusse, 62) and their dog that was backcountry camping in Banff National Park…
At approximately 8 p.m. (MT) on Friday, September 29, 2023, Parks Canada Dispatch in Banff National Park received an alert from an inReach/GPS device indicating a bear attack. The alert location originated from within Banff National Park, in the Red Deer River Valley, west of Ya Ha Tinda Ranch. Parks Canada immediately mobilised a Wildlife Human Attack Response Team whose members are specially trained in responding to wildlife attacks. Weather conditions at the time did not allow for helicopter use, and the response team travelled through the night to the location by ground.
The response team arrived on-site at 1 a.m. and discovered two deceased individuals. While in the area, the response team encountered a grizzly bear that displayed aggressive behaviour, leading Parks Canada staff to euthanize the bear on-site to ensure public safety. Sundre RCMP arrived at 5 a.m. to assist, and the victims were transported to Sundre, AB. This is a tragic incident, and Parks Canada wishes to express its sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims.
As a safety precaution, an area closure has been implemented and will remain in place until further notice.
Banff National Park is home to both grizzly and black bears. For information about bear safety, visit the Parks Canada website.
Our heart goes out to the family and friends of the couple.
“Bear attacks are rare occurrences. Fatal bear attacks are even less frequent. Over the last 10 years, there have been three recorded non-fatal, contact encounters with grizzly bears in Banff National Park. These incidents were the result of surprise encounters. This incident is the first grizzly bear-caused fatality recorded in Banff National Park in decades.”
