A Hero Without a Cape: Dog Rescues Hiker from Charging Grizzly near Cochrane

Craig Campbell always dreamed of seeing a grizzly bear up close. He had even tracked down Banff National Park’s famous grizzly, The Boss, last month. But a recent unexpected encounter near Cochrane changed his perspective.

While hiking a familiar trail near his home, Campbell stumbled upon a grizzly sow and her two large cubs. They were in a wooded area along a fence line bordered by farmers’ fields. The bears circled around until they were downwind of him, and then the mother bear charged at him suddenly.

Despite carrying bear spray, Campbell struggled to access it due to his heavy canvas jacket. He thought he was going to die, but his 10-year-old Doberman named Night sprang into action. Night silently charged at the bear, getting within inches of it. The grizzly, nearly 7 feet tall on its hind legs, backed down and left with its cubs nearby.

Campbell believes Night’s bravery made the bear think twice about attacking. Night had been intensively trained in obedience, tracking, and protection. Campbell joked that while most dogs would run from a bear, Night runs at them.

After the encounter, Campbell was shaken and had trouble sleeping. He reported the incident to provincial fish and wildlife officials, who confirmed that the bears were known in the area and had not caused any previous problems. Campbell believes the grizzly was acting in defense of her cubs and has since seen signage warning of the bears’ presence erected at the trail.

In the end, Night was rewarded with an extra raw chicken leg for his heroics, and Campbell has a newfound respect for grizzlies.