A British Columbia man has died weeks after surviving a brutal attack by a grizzly bear. Joe Pendry, 63, was hunting elk near Fort Steele, northeast of Cranbrook, on October 2 when he encountered the bear and her two cubs. His wife, Janice Pendry, confirmed on Saturday that he passed away due to a blood clot.

Pendry's survival from the initial attack was attributed to his background as a boxer and outdoor hunting guide. In an interview shortly after the incident, Janice described the harrowing encounter. She said her husband shot the charging bear in the leg, but it continued its assault. At one point, she recounted, "his head was in its jaw."

In a desperate fight for his life, Pendry punched and even bit the bear's ear. He sustained severe injuries, including the loss of a finger, torn lips, and part of his scalp. He also suffered a broken nose, broken cheekbones, two broken arms, and broken ribs.

After managing to fend off the bear, Pendry called 911 and contacted his son for assistance. He was airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries to treat his injuries.

Days after the attack, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) discovered a dead grizzly bear in the Fort Steele area. They confirmed through DNA analysis that this bear was responsible for the attack. Janice Pendry stated that she was informed the bear died from sepsis.

The COS reported that the bear had two cubs with her at the time of the attack, although their ages were not specified. The B.C. Environment Ministry noted that cubs typically remain with their mother until they are about four years old, suggesting they may have been old enough to survive independently.

According to WildSafeBC, the COS receives approximately 400 to 500 calls each year regarding grizzly bears. While attacks are rare, they can occasionally result in fatalities. The organization provides resources on how to avoid bear encounters, emphasizing the importance of safety in bear country.