BC Conservation Officers say a man suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a black bear near Lillooet.

Deputy Chief Chris Doyle says the attack happened around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning in an isolated area on Mt. McLean, when two people and a dog were sleeping in separate tents.

“The camper heard something outside the tent, popped outside the tent, and the bear was right there,” he said.

“A close encounter, defensive situation as opposed to where a bear will attempt to get into a tent because they’ve smelled food or other attractants. That wasn’t the case with this incident.”

Doyle says the man and his hiking partner were able to call for help and they were eventually picked up by a helicopter. The victim was treated in hospital for injuries to his arm, but the latest on his condition is not know at this time.

“The COS Predator Attack Team flew to the area and the investigation determined that this was a surprise defensive attack and thus no efforts were made to capture the bear involved,” Doyle added.

Bear Attack Near #Lillooet | A camper was attacked by a bear & treated in hospital for injuries to his arm. The #BCCOS Predator Attack Team concluded this was a surprise defensive attack. No efforts to capture the bears – a sow & cub – will be made. Info: https://t.co/of4cKWQvXZ

— BC CO Service (@_BCCOS) August 13, 2020