Grizzly Bear Encounter

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Questions and Answers

Considering the ecological context of the grizzly bear attack, which of the following scenarios would most likely have mitigated the risk of such an encounter, assuming Ann and Christine still chose to hike the trail?

Employing a trained wildlife biologist, armed with a tranquilizer gun, to precede them by a kilometer, preemptively deterring any potentially aggressive wildlife encounters.
Modifying their behavior to mimic the auditory and olfactory signatures of a dominant male grizzly, thus signaling a threat to the maternal instincts of the sow and causing her to retreat.
Implementing a carefully calibrated drone-based early warning system equipped with advanced thermal imaging and acoustic sensors to detect and deter bears from a safe distance.
Altering their route to traverse exclusively through dense coniferous forests, thereby avoiding open alpine meadows known to be foraging habitats for grizzlies preparing for hibernation. (correct)

In retrospect, considering the psychological and physiological responses exhibited by both Ann and Christine during the attack, which adjustment to their pre-hike preparation would have been most effective in enhancing their chances of avoiding severe injury, assuming the encounter was unavoidable?

Equipping themselves with ultrasonic emitters designed to disrupt the auditory processing of grizzly bears, thereby causing disorientation and deterring aggressive behavior.
Undergoing intensive stress inoculation training, including exposure to simulated grizzly attacks, to condition a more controlled and rational response during a high-stress encounter. (correct)
Implanting subcutaneous biofeedback devices capable of detecting elevated cortisol levels and administering preemptive doses of fast-acting anxiolytics to mitigate panic-induced decision-making.
Ingesting beta-blockers prior to the hike to suppress sympathetic nervous system responses, theoretically enabling more calculated decision-making under duress.

Given the limitations of bear repellent spray and the understanding of grizzly bear behavior, what alternative or supplementary defensive strategy could have most likely altered the outcome of the attack, considering the specific environmental conditions they were in?

Constructing a makeshift barrier using available natural materials (e.g., logs, rocks) to create a physical impediment between themselves and the bear. (correct)
Utilizing a precision-guided projectile system (e.g., air horn propelled dart) deploying a concentrated dose of capsaicin directly into the bear's nasal cavity.
Deploying a high-intensity strobe light and siren system designed to overwhelm the bear's sensory system, causing disorientation and retreat.
Employing a high-frequency sonic device that exploits the grizzly bear's sensitivity to specific auditory ranges, inducing discomfort and encouraging aversion.

Considering the cascade of physiological responses experienced by Ann and Christine post-attack, what immediate intervention, beyond basic first aid, would have been most critical in optimizing their chances of survival during the three-hour trek back to their vehicle?

<p>Implementing a forced-air warming system powered by a portable generator to prevent the onset of potentially fatal hypothermia in the cold and wet conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Reflecting on Christine's actions during the attack, specifically her decision to confront the grizzly, which neurobiological phenomenon most likely underpinned her shift from fear-induced paralysis to proactive intervention?

<p>An acute downregulation of prefrontal cortex activity, disinhibiting primal survival instincts mediated by the hypothalamus and brainstem. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Bear Repellent (Bear Mace)

A device used to deter bears, emitting a strong pepper spray.

False Charge (Bear)

A term for when a bear advances towards a person or object, often as a bluff.

Playing Dead

A survival technique where one feigns death to reduce the threat from an attacking animal.

Bear Awareness While Hiking

The importance of making noise when hiking in bear country to alert bears of your presence and avoid startling them.

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Shock (Response to Trauma)

A potentially life-threatening response to severe physical or emotional trauma, leading to impaired cognitive functions in some cases.

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Study Notes

The Hike Begins

Ann Quaterman and Christine Bialkowski planned a hike in the mountains near Revelstoke, British Columbia, on October 1, 1994.
Ann, an experienced outdoor enthusiast, intended to hike to her cook's job interview at a lodge in the Selkirk Mountains, while Christine joined for the adventure.
The trailhead was 12 km from the Trans-Canada Highway on a bumpy logging road.
The 15 km hike to the Selkirk Mountain Experience lodge was expected to take 6 hours, reaching an altitude of 2000 m.
Ann carried bear repellent as a precaution, a common practice in bear-prone areas.

Encounter with a Grizzly

After three hours of hiking, the women reached an alpine meadow at an altitude above 1800 m.
They spotted a female grizzly bear with two cubs about 300m away.
The bears began running towards them, prompting the women to attempt to intimidate the bear by yelling.
Christine panicked and ran, while Ann initially stayed, remembering she had bear mace.
The grizzly charged, and Ann used the bear mace at close range but the bear was not deterred.

The Attack

The grizzly attacked Christine, dragging her along the ground.
Ann tried to use the bear mace again, but it was empty.
The bear then attacked Ann, biting her arm and knocking her down the embankment.
Ann remembered the advice about playing dead, rolling onto her stomach and protecting her neck.
The grizzly bit and clawed at Ann's backpack and head.
Christine, witnessing the attack, decided to fight back to save Ann.
Christine kicked the bear, which then attacked her, biting her hip.
The grizzly suddenly stopped the attack and disappeared.

The Descent

The women bandaged their wounds using clothing from their packs.
They had to make a 3-hour trek back to their vehicle, losing blood and with the risk of worsening weather.
Ann weakened considerably during the descent, expressing doubts about making it.
They reached their truck and Christine drove despite being in shock and not initially remembering how to drive.
They encountered a logger who led them to a road crew with a radio.
An ambulance was called, and the women were taken to Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke, where they received approximately 50 stitches each.

Aftermath

Ann and Christine agreed that the mother bear should not be put down.
Ann was left with a 5-cm scar beside her left eye, and physiotherapy helped restore the use of her arm.
Christine fully recovered, with scars on her arms, hips, and legs.
More than a year later, Ann and Christine went on a ski holiday together.

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Description

Two hikers encounter a grizzly bear with cubs in the Selkirk Mountains. They try to scare the bear away, but one of them panics and runs. The grizzly bear attacks the hikers after they try to intimidate it.