– Arizona Teen Survives Black Bear Attack
– Arizona Teen Attacked by Black Bear Survives.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : In a terrifying incident, 15-year-old Brigham Hawkins from Arizona narrowly escaped serious harm after being attacked twice by a black bear inside his family’s cabin in Alpine. The harrowing encounter took place late at night on Thursday, May 23, shedding light on the importance of bear safety protocols in wilderness areas.
According to Yahoo! News, the Arizona teen was quietly watching TV with the cabin door slightly open when a black bear, later identified as a 3-year-old male, entered through the open door. The bear, described by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials as opportunistic in search of food, caught Brigham off guard from behind and inflicted several powerful swipes, resulting in deep lacerations across his face and body.
The sudden and aggressive nature of the Arizona bear attack shocked Brigham, especially considering his rare neurological disorder that impairs his mobility, making him more vulnerable to the bear’s advances. The incident highlights the unpredictable and dangerous encounters that can occur in bear-inhabited areas, emphasizing the need for caution and preparedness.
Bravery Amid Chaos
After the initial assault, the bear briefly left the cabin but returned shortly after, intensifying the danger by targeting Brigham’s arm. In a heroic act, Brigham’s older brother, Parker, responded to his cries for help and confronted the bear, diverting its attention away from Brigham and allowing their father to safely remove him from harm’s way.
The timely intervention by Parker prevented a potentially tragic outcome, earning praise from Shawn Wagner, AZGFD Law Enforcement Supervisor, who commended the family’s quick actions during a critical moment. Following the incident, AZGFD officers located and euthanized the bear to ensure public safety and prevent further encounters.
Safety Awareness and Precautions
In the aftermath of the Arizona bear attack, AZGFD reiterated essential safety measures for residents and visitors in bear-inhabited areas. These included securing food and potential attractants, such as garbage and pet food, to minimize interactions with bears. Additionally, maintaining a clean campsite, not leaving food unattended, and proper waste disposal were advised to reduce the risk of attracting wildlife.
The incident in Arizona marked the 16th documented human-bear encounter since 1990, with only a few resulting in fatalities, according to Fox News. AZGFD stressed the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife habitats, emphasizing the need for vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines when exploring bear country.
Despite the trauma inflicted on Brigham, his mother, Carol Hawkins, expressed gratitude for Parker’s bravery and the swift response of emergency responders. She highlighted the unexpected nature of the bear’s intrusion into their cabin but remained hopeful for Brigham’s recovery, acknowledging the support received from the community.
In conclusion, the Arizona bear attack serves as a reminder of the importance of bear safety awareness and preparedness when venturing into wilderness areas. Understanding and respecting wildlife habitats, following safety guidelines, and taking necessary precautions can help prevent potentially dangerous encounters with bears..
1. Arizona Teen Survives Bear Attack
2. Arizona Teen Black Bear Attack Survives.
