Calgary·Video

Grizzly bear attack survivor shares his story

A Calgary man is recovering after a grizzly bear attack in Rocky View County earlier this month. Carmelo Silvestro spoke with CBC Radio’s the Calgary Eyeopener on Wednesday about his experience and how his healing journey is going.

‘I see that bear every time I close my eyes,’ says Calgarian Carmelo Silvestro

Grizzly bear attack survivor shares his story

3 months ago
Duration 11:22
WARNING: This story contains graphic images A Calgary man is recovering from injuries after a dangerous encounter with a grizzly bear. Carmelo Silvestro spoke to the Calgary Eyeopener about what the experience was like and how it has affected him.

WARNING: This video contains graphic images of injury.


A Calgary man is recovering after a grizzly bear attack in Rocky View County earlier this month.

During a season opener hunting trip near Madden, Alta., on Sept. 1, Carmelo Silvestro encountered a mother grizzly bear and her cubs. 

Silvestro says the bear charged toward him, attacking within a matter of seconds. After being pinned down, clawed and bitten by the grizzly, Silvestro says he kept deploying bear spray, and the bear eventually fled.

He is recovering now from his injuries, and hopes to raise awareness about wildlife safety and preparedness. 

Alberta Fish and Wildlife is looking for the bear. Officials say it is the same bear that killed a man three years ago.

Silvestro spoke with CBC Radio's the Calgary Eyeopener on Wednesday morning about his experience and how his healing is going.