After reading the info about where he was during this experience, it only reinforces my feeling that he should have had a PLB. He started this with his eyes wide open and didn't have a back-up in case things turned south early? An encounter with a bear in that small part of Canada should not have been unexpected. The possibility that a lot of gear and food could be lost should not have been unexpeected. If his "Plan B" was do make due and live off the land until rescue was triggered by time, then he had a pretty poor plan.

The $$ cost of a PLB pales to the cost of a good dog in money and companionship.