Widdowson believes the bear was motivated to pounce after hearing the two women discussing their upcoming lunch. Gallacher said, “Let’s get something to eat,” to which Widdowson replied, “No, you are not allowed to give food [to a bear]. Absolutely nothing, nothing, nothing."
“And I think he heard it and decided he had to eat my friend instead,” Widdowson quipped.
Both women credit an article of Gallacher’s clothing with saving her from a worse fate. "She was wearing a thick Marks & Spencer jacket and the poor bear got more jacket than arm,” Widdowson recalled.
“I was wearing a padded jacket and a top and another top—that’s what saved my arm,” Gallacher marveled. “I’ve been very, very lucky.”