A mother from Texas was mauled to death by a black bear in a remote park in British Columbia as her two children watched helplessly.
A man who tried to save Patti McConnell, 37, of Paris, Texas, also was killed by the bear. McConnell's 13-year-old son and a college student were mauled by the animal as well but survived.Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Raymond Kitchen, 56, of Fort Nelson, B.C., was killed while trying to save McConnell. Kitchen is believed to have been an experienced hunter who was familiar with the habits of bears.
Hikers who witnessed the attack Thursday night at Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park threw rocks and sticks to try to distract the bear without avail.
Authorities said McConnell had been walking through the brush between hot springs with her son Kelly and daughter Kristen, 7, when the vicious attack occurred.
The bear was shot and killed by a tourist who rushed to get a weapon.
The park was evacuated soon after and will remain closed while provincial officials and police investigate.
"I think it's pretty much one of the most brutal ways to die, having your entire body ripped apart," said Jayme Melrose, an employee of a nearby lodge.
Kelly McConnell and a 20-year-old Calgary man suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were air-lifted to Fort Nelson, 125 miles southwest of the park near the British Columbia-Yukon border.
Kelly was later transferred to B.C. Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
The Calgary man, one of several university students conducting research in the park, suffered serious leg injuries and was transferred to a hospital in his hometown Friday. Police would not release his name, at his request.