Man kills bear, misses claims adjustor

Man survives grizzly attack as hunting friend shoots and kills bear
DAWSON CREEK, B.C. (CP) -

A local man credits his hunting buddy with saving his life after a grizzly bear attacked him during a hunting trip in the Williston Lake area last week. As the bear attacked Clint Switzer, his friend shot and killed the bear.
"As I approached the bushes I could hear a little rustling and then I was thinking a bull (elk) might come out but it was a grizzly bear in there," said Switzer. "It came out in full charge and with a dull roar. It came through the bush, I thought I had a little bit of time because I was 30 feet (nine metres) from it, but it was on the full charge."

The 34-year-old claims adjuster was in the bush with his friend Marty Anderson.

"It was one of the few times in my life I ever stepped off in the bush hunting without carrying my own gun," said Switzer. However, Anderson had his and it was a good thing for Switzer.

"I took off to the right hoping maybe Marty could get a shot at it before it got me," said Switzer. "But, I wasn't quite that lucky. (The bear) hit me full out in the back and bent me over backwards and as he flattened me he rolled right over top of me. I tried to roll and jump up, but before I could get to my knees he had already regained himself and jumped back at me."

While Switzer struggled for his life, Anderson took aim.

"I was just trying to defend myself, throwing punches to get him to let go of my leg. I had never heard them really roar like that before," he said. "I heard the shot ring out and that bear just screamed and immediately on a dime he spun around 180 degrees."

The wounded bear ran straight at Anderson while he pumped a second shot into his shoulder. A third shot killed the bear.

"I didn't have time to think," said Anderson. "Just shoot the bear and don't shoot my buddy, was the only thing I was thinking."

Switzer went to the hospital when he returned home for treatment of some minor bruises and cuts.
"I just had some bite marks on my thigh, lots of bruising and soreness," he said. Switzer praised Anderson for remaining calm. "He definitely saved my life," he said.

(Peace River Block Daily News)
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