Peter Moody gets Medal of Bravery for saving wife Susan from bear mauling
Peter Moody of Kimberley, B.C. was recognized for his bravery on Friday in Ottawa, two years after leaping into action when he saw his wife Susan being mauled by a grizzly bear.
The couple were hiking in the wilderness near their home in November 2012, when a grizzly bear attacked Moody's wife and pinned her to the ground. He swiftly risked his own life to save her.
"It occurred to me I should take my ski poles," he said. "I took the poles and just beat them across the back of the bear
low down where it would feel it."
The bear attacked him but when the couple remained motionless it eventually left and the severely injured couple walked to a nearby house for help, according to the bravery citation.
Other awards
Moody was one of three British Columbians to receive the Governor General's medal for an act of heroism.
A medal was also given to pilot James Kitchen of Squamish. In 2011, he used his helicopter to rescue two Inuit hunters who had fallen through the ice near Frobisher Bay.
The Okanagan's John Cerne was also recognized for going into a burning shack at a drill site in 2012 and saving an injured co-worker.
The three were presented with the medals by Gov. Gen. David Johnston alongside 37 other Canadians, in a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
