Disregard, I checked out the article, they were knocked out with spray.
I hope so!
Saw a program years back where researchers tried to raise an orphan polar bear cub in their back yard.
When it got to that size it turned surly and violent.
They filmed it taking three or four swipes at the male researcher’s face.
Its right-left paw speed and power - even at that age - were awesome and completely shocking.
The caption says that they were "knocked out"; it doesn't say they were knocked out with the spray. I'd suspect that they were shot with tranquilizer darts.