Joe Pendry relied on his boxing instincts to fight for his life after being mauled by a grizzly bear earlier this month in British Columbia.
The 63-year-old was hunting elk in the East Kootenay region near Fort Steele when he came face-to-face with a mother grizzly and her two cubs.
According to his wife, Janice, Pendry fired his rifle as the bear charged toward him, but the shot didn’t stop her.
The grizzly kept coming, forcing him into a desperate fight for survival.
Pendry fought back the only way he knew how – by throwing punches at the bear’s face. He even bit its ears.
While he survived the ordeal, the attack left him with severe injuries, including a torn scalp, deep facial wounds, and multiple broken bones, including a broken nose, ribs, arms, and cheekbones. He also lost a finger during the fight.
Janice recalled that at one point, the bear had her husband’s head in its mouth, tearing away part of his scalp and inflicting major damage before finally backing off.
Once the animal retreated, Pendry managed to call 911 and his son for help.
Emergency crews quickly located him and airlifted him to Kelowna General Hospital, where he underwent several surgeries to repair his injuries.
Janice said the days following her husband’s surgeries were “very touch and go” at times, but added that he’s a “tough fighter” who’s been determined to pull through.
In a Facebook post, the B.C. Conservation Officer Service reported finding a dead grizzly in the same area several days after the attack.
The bear had died from sepsis. DNA testing later confirmed it was the same animal that mauled Pendry.
A Boxer and Experienced Outdoorsman
Janice credits her husband’s boxing background and years of hunting experience with helping him survive the brutal encounter.
Still, she said his recovery is far from over. Pendry remains in the hospital, facing a long road of healing.
He’s also been struggling with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The attack has taken a toll on Janice as well, but she says she’s grateful to have the support of family as they both work through the aftermath of the terrifying ordeal.
In a statement, B.C.’s Ministry of Environment confirmed that the adult grizzly was accompanied by two cubs, though their ages were unknown.
The ministry noted that grizzly cubs typically remain with their mother until around four years of age, meaning there’s a good chance these two may be able to survive on their own.
