A trapper is recovering in hospital after a harrowing ordeal in Manitoba's north last week.

The Manitoba RCMP says that the Churchill detachment responded to a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound and exposure on Cape Merry Road, in Churchill, on Friday afternoon.

RCMP officers and Emergency Services attended and the male was taken to hospital.

Shot by snowmobiler

Police say that the 29-year-old man told them that he was out trapping when he was shot by someone on a snowmobile.

He believes that this person may have mistaken him for an animal.

The victim then walked 1-2 days to get back to Churchill for help in temperatures that ranged between -30 and -35.

The Manitoba RCMP says that the exact day of the shooting isn't known because the man was suffering from his gunshot wound and exposure.

The shooting is believed to have occurred February 5 or 6, during the daytime, 8 km west of Churchill, by Button Bay.

Police say the suspect was wearing a black and blue snowsuit, a neck warmer and black toque and was driving a black and blue snowmobile, which was pulling a sled. The snowmobile was last seen going north from Button Bay.

The RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspect. If you have any information on the incident please call Churchill RCMP at 204-675-2551.