Elk hunter who was mauled by grizzly bear is in stable condition, say B.C. officials

An elk hunter who was mauled by a grizzly bear in the East Kootenay is now in stable condition, according to the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

The attack happened on Thursday near Fort Steele, B.C., when officers say a grizzly sow with cubs approached. It may have been drawn to the hunter while he was using calls to attract elk.

"We believe the hunter was calling and we believe the calls attracted the grizzly bear family group towards him," said Tobe Sprado, inspector with the B.C. Conservation Officer Service.

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"And then obviously there was an encounter where he was mauled and sustained serious injuries."

The man was evacuated and taken to Kelowna General Hospital, Sprado said, adding that although the man was initially i