THE LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE OF GRIZZLY BEARS OBSERVED AT HISTORIC BC LODGE

Seldom seen grizzly bear behaviour observed by bear researcher and guests at Tweedsmuir Park Lodge.

BELLA COOLA, BC, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - Bear viewing guests and a leading Canadian bear researcher witnessed an exceptional and wild display of bear behaviour as two adult grizzlies battled on the grounds of Tweedsmuir Park Lodge.

Grant MacHutchon, a wildlife biologist staying at the Lodge during the incident, was astonished. "I've actively researched and observed bears for over 25 years and never seen anything like this," he said. "This kind of behaviour is certainly documented but very few actually see it. It was incredible and a clear demonstration of the wild and sometimes brutal instincts of these amazing creatures."

Peter "Swede" Mattsson, Lodge manager and owner, described the display as "the real thing" in his recollection of watching these grizzly bears in a life and death struggle in their natural environment.

"Over recent weeks we've watched two little cubs and their mother come up onto the lawn to feed on the clover and grasses. I was out on the deck when an adult male boar chased one of the little cubs up from the river, across the lodge lawn, and into the car park. The cub's mother rushed to the aid of the cub, fiercely attacking and fighting off the much bigger male. For over two hours the female repeatedly charged the male - biting and swatting at the bear."

Unfortunately, the mother lost the battle and the young cub didn't survive. "We'd grown very fond of the little cub," continued Mattsson. "We'll definitely miss her."

Male bears are known to kill cubs, but the reasons for doing so are hotly debated among bear biologists. Some believe males kill unrelated cubs in order to mate with the female and produce their own offspring, while other biologists believe it is done simply because of competition for food and space.

About Tweedsmuir Park Lodge

Grizzly bears are a daily feature this time of year at the historic Tweedsmuir Park Lodge. Set on 60 acres of private land within the vast wilderness of British Columbia's largest protected park, the Lodge was originally built in 1929 as a hunting and fishing destination Bordering the Atnarko River, the Lodge hosts adventure travelers who come from all over the world to view these animals in their natural environment.

For further information: Media Inquiries or more information please contact Swede at +1 250.982.2402 or visit www.tweedsmuirparklodge.com