Wilf Lloyd is reported to be in stable condition in Calgary, where he was airlifted after the Sunday morning attack.
Lloyd also sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. His hunting partner — Lloyd's son-in-law , "Skeet" Podrasky — shot the bear several times in an attempt to rescue Lloyd. One of the shots hit Lloyd in the leg. He underwent surgery on Sunday, and again on Tuesday.
Darrell Orth, a friend of Lloyd's, told Mike Turner of Global News that both men were experienced hunters, who knew the area very well. They were hunting elk on Podrasky's family land near Fernie when the bear attacked.
Orth spoke highly of Lloyd, who he described as one who loved the outdoors, wildlife and hunting. Orth also praised the actions of Podrasky.
"For him to have the presence of mind was heroic. It appears to have saved (Lloyd's) life. It could have ended up much worse than it did. He did something very brave in killing the bear that was attacking his father-in-law."
Mary Giuliano, Mayor of Fernie, told Mike Turner that there has been an increase in bear sightings in Fernie over the past three to four years.
"Last year we actually had them wandering around town."
Giuliano said current education programs, like Bear Aware, help residents know how to react if they see a bear.