Brigham Hawkins : “Arizona teen survives bear attack”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Arizona bear attack
2. Child vs bear incident

A black bear was shot and killed by Arizona fish and game officers after entering a home and injuring a teenager in a mountain community near the New Mexico state line. The 15-year-old boy, Brigham Hawkins, suffered wounds to his face and arm. His mother, Carol Hawkins, recounted the bear attacking her son while he was watching television. The bear entered the home a second time before fleeing. Wildlife officials found and shot the bear, believed to be about 3 years old. This incident marks the 16th bear attack in the state since 1990, with two being fatal. Hawkins’ son is expected to recover from his injuries.

Teen Attacked by Bear in Mountain Community

In a terrifying turn of events, a black bear entered a home in a mountain community near the New Mexico state line, resulting in a teenager being injured. The incident, which took place late Wednesday in Alpine, Arizona, left 15-year-old Brigham Hawkins with wounds to his face and arm after the bear swiped at him.

Brave Teen Fights off Bear

According to reports from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Brigham Hawkins was alone and watching television when the bear attacked him. His mother, Carol Hawkins, shared with CBS affiliate KPHO-TV that the bear’s entry into their home was unexpected and frightening.

Carol Hawkins described the harrowing experience, stating, “Never in our wildest dreams did we think a bear would come in the home.” She also mentioned that Brigham’s brother came to his aid upon hearing his screams, ultimately helping to distract the bear.

Quick Reaction Saves Teen’s Life

Thanks to the quick response from Hawkins’ family, wildlife officials were able to locate and shoot the bear before it could cause further harm. The bear, believed to be around 3 years old, will undergo testing for diseases by specialists from the department.

AZ Game and Fish Department Law Enforcement Supervisor Shawn Wagner commended the family’s actions, stating, “It was thanks to the quick reaction by his brother and his family that they were able to distract the bear from what very easily in a matter of seconds could have turned into a real tragedy there.”

Teen Expected to Make Full Recovery

Despite the frightening ordeal, Brigham Hawkins is expected to recover from his injuries. He was taken to a local hospital with wounds to his face and arm and has started the rabies vaccine as a precaution.

Carol Hawkins expressed gratitude for the support her son has received, noting, “Everybody that came into help him, he had a big thank you and so he’s handling it well. And he’ll be okay.”

Incidents Involving Bears in Arizona

This incident marks the 16th bear attack on humans in Arizona since records began in 1990. Tragically, two of these incidents have been fatal, including the death of a 66-year-old man attacked at a campsite in the Groom Creek area south of Prescott last year.

Wildlife officials continue to monitor bear activity in the area to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The community remains on alert following this recent encounter, emphasizing the importance of bear awareness and safety precautions.