Tragedy Strikes in Banff National Park: Grizzly Bear Attack Claims Lives

In a heartbreaking incident last week, a Canadian couple's hiking expedition in Alberta's renowned Banff National Park took a terrifying turn. Colin Inglis, the uncle of the ill-fated man, revealed the distressing final message he received from his nephew, Doug Inglis, and his partner, Jenny Gusse.

Colin Inglis received an SOS call from the couple's Garmin GPS device around 8:15 p.m. last Friday. Earlier, he had been informed that they were delayed in reaching their camping spot in the Panther Valley area of the park. The message on the Garmin inReach device simply read, "Bear attack bad." This alarming message left Colin Inglis deeply concerned and feeling utterly helpless.

Parks Canada officials also conveyed a chilling detail – the couple's tent had been crushed, and their e-readers were found open at the scene of the attack. Tragically, their 7-year-old border collie, Tris, did not survive the encounter.

Despite their efforts, including deploying a can of bear spray, the bear proved relentless in its attack.

Doug Inglis and Jenny Gusse, both employed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Center in Lethbridge, meticulously planned their hiking trip in Banff National Park, sharing their itinerary with family beforehand. Their approach mirrored their scientific rigor, but sadly, this unfortunate incident unfolded, taking them by surprise.

The bear attack occurred last Friday in Banff National Park, a place famous for its stunning beauty. The response team, alerted to the situation, arrived on the scene at 1 a.m. and tragically discovered the lifeless bodies of the couple. The team also encountered an aggressive grizzly bear and made the difficult decision to euthanize the bear on the spot, prioritizing public safety.

A necropsy conducted by Parks Canada revealed that the bear involved in the attack was estimated to be over 25 years old and was in fair condition, displaying lower body fat than typical for this time of year.

Banff National Park is home to about 60 grizzly bears, and Parks Canada is vigilant in minimizing human-wildlife conflicts, as evidenced by the presence of food hanging in trees to deter animals.

This devastating incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of nature, even for those who meticulously plan their outdoor adventures.