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A hiking trail in Fernie has been closed after two men were attacked this morning by a grizzly bear.

The two men were hiking on the Mount Proctor Trail when they encountered a sow that charged and attacked them. One hiker managed to discharge pepper spray into the bear's face, while the second man shot the animal at close range. The bear fled into the bushes with her cub.

They were both taken to hospital this morning but were later released.

One of the men later returned to the scene with conservation officers to search for the grizzly.

The trail has since been closed by the Ministry of Environment and a team of conservation officers is investigating the area.