Toddler Bitten By Bear After Sticking Hand Through Zoo Fence, Seriously Injured

A two-year-old girl was hospitalized in serious condition after she was bitten by a bear at the Greater Vancouver Zoo, Canada, on Monday.

Officials said the animal bit the toddler after she stuck her hand through the fence. The girl was immediately airlifted to a hospital.

In a statement Tuesday, the zoo said, “The team at the zoo are deeply shocked and saddened by the accident that occurred yesterday and we are working on all fronts to gather all the information with all parties involved.”

The officials, however, said the incident took place in an area that is not authorized for public access.

“The Greater Vancouver Zoo adheres to the safety standards put forth by Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all patrons and our animals. Barriers are purposefully put in place to maintain a safe distance between patrons and our animals. This is an active investigation on our end to confirm all details, and ensure the safety of all our guests, staff and animals,” the statement added.

Speaking to CTV News, the girl’s father, Richard Hanson, said he received a frantic call from his wife saying their child was bitten by a bear.

"They were all watching the bears and the next thing you know, you hear the kids screaming and they ran over and had to, know you, get it to stop biting her," he said.

Hanson added that the girl was in a stable condition but lost a fingertip in the incident.

"I talked to the hospital and they said she's in stable condition. They said she has extensive injuries to her arm," he said, adding that the girl would need to undergo multiple surgeries.