Town of Hay River
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Man tries to frighten bear in NWT park, accidentally shoots child

Ollie Williams
By Ollie Williams

A child is recovering after being shot by a man trying to scare away a bear near Fort Resolution, NWT.

The man, 31-year-old Philip Wolfe, has been charged with careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and obstruction of a peace officer.

The child, who has not been identified and whose age is unknown, is in a stable condition in Hay River’s hospital. Moose FM understands they received a gunshot wound to a limb.

The youth arrived at the hospital shortly after midnight on Thursday, July 9. The incident took place at the Little Buffalo River Crossing territorial campground, some 25 km south of Fort Resolution.

“The youth was shot unintentionally during a family camping trip,” read an RCMP statement issued on Thursday afternoon.

“One of the adults in the group was using a handgun to frighten off a black bear that had approached the camp and shot the youth after the gun misfired.”

The family is believed to have been visiting the NWT on vacation. Wolfe hails from La Crete, Alberta.

Police say a date for Wolfe’s court appearance has not yet been set. He has been released from custody on a recognizance.

Ollie Williams
Ollie Williams
Hello! I'm the one with the British accent. Thanks for supporting CJCD. To contact me, you can email me, find me on Twitter or call (867) 920-4663.

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