Uh- there's not a lot up in St James' Bay. It doesn't have near the flora/fauna of the deep South for surviving. If he was already up there at the wrong time of year if berries weren't on, there's not a lot to eat, even for a bear.

If the guy (or any other trekker or scientist) was traveling by kayak, you're not exactly lugging 55 gal drums for overpacking your gear. I take solar electric fencing with a grain of salt for bear deterrent.

With all due respect, it's not the first time dogs have been eaten at our latitudes; not everyone can snare squirrels, never mind have that kind of gear with them.