Predatory bear attack confirmed

by Steve Galea | September 30, 2020
stock photo of a black bear
Stock photo of a black bear

What was initially described as a possible bear fatality has been confirmed after an OPP investigation and post-mortem examination of the victim in late July.

The attack, which occurred on July 20 near Red Lake (reported in the news section of OOD’s 2020 Hunting Annual) claimed the life of 67-year-old Peter Franczak of Red Lake, who was picking blueberries on Tuzyk Road, off Highway 105, between the Township of Ear Falls and the Municipality of Red Lake.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Senior Media Relations Officer Jolanta Kowalski confirmed that the bear responsible for Franzak’s death was a 160-pound male in good physical condition. A rabies test was negative. 

She said, “Based on the description of the incident and the fact that the bear was a healthy-looking male, this appears to have been a predatory attack.”

Bear background information

The incident is the 11th recorded fatal bear attack in Ontario.

To find out how to avoid bear encounters and what to do when encountering a bear visit click here.

Click here for the initial story

For more information on bears in Ontario, click here

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