BCCOS investigating after 3 people injured in a bear attack

RCMP say two women have suffered life-threatening injuries after a bear attacked a family near Dawson Creek, then guarded the victims from help when officers arrived.

The BC Conservation Officer Service says the family of four was out hiking last night and tried to run when they were charged, but the bear attacked one woman and injured the second as well as a teenage boy who tried to help.

Police say they were called to the scene and found the 30 year old and 48 year old women badly hurt, but the bear would not leave the scene and was eventually shot dead.

The Mounties say one of the women was airlifted to hospital in Edmonton and the other two victims were taken to hospital in Dawson Creek.