A hero father died protecting his children in a rare polar bear attack in Canada‘s northernmost territory of Nunavut. Aaron Gibbons, 31, was on Sentry Island, a popular fishing and hunting spot on the west coast of Hudson Bay, when he encountered the bear on 3 July.
A relative said he “died a hero”, telling his daughters to run while he put himself between them and the bear. The children were unharmed, but Mr Gibbons died in the attack. Another adult later shot and killed the bear. “He was enjoying his day with his children,” Mr Gibbons’s uncle Gordy Kidlapik told Canadian media. “They were surprised by a bear that had started to stalk or charge towards one of his children.” The father was unarmed at the time, police said, even though he would have had a rifle with him on the outing. One of the girls, who are described as primary school age, called for help through the boat’s radio. “We actually heard the call for help,” said Mr Kidlapik. “It was terrible to listen to.”
Photo Credit: Getty
