A 15-year-old boy in Arizona was rescued by his brother after being attacked by a black bear in a bunkhouse last week. Brigham Hawkins, the victim, had his mother Carol Hawkins discuss the terrifying event with FOX 10 Phoenix. The Arizona Fish & Game Department reported that the attack occurred on Thursday (May 23).
The teenager was watching TV in the family's bunkhousewhen the incident happened. The rest of the family was in a cabin 20 feet away.
"The bear came into the cabin and from behind the couch, from what we were piecing together, swatted at him and scratched his face," the boy's mother told FOX 10.
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Brother comes to rescue
Brigham's 18-year-old brother, Parker, heard the noise and hurried to the bunkhouse. Their mother told FOX 10 that Brigham's rare genetic disorder means his siblings are accustomed to looking after him.
"He started screaming, but [Parker] could barely hear him, so he went to check on him and initially thought it was a large dog," the mother said.
When Parker arrived, the three-year-old bear turned its attention to him instead.
While Parker distracted the bear, Brigham's father assisted him in escaping. The teen is currently receiving medical treatment for cuts on his arms and face. Authorities later captured and euthanised the bear.
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Despite black bears being much less likely to attack humans compared to brown bears and polar bears, officials caution that these attacks can still occur.
In June 2023, a Tucson, Arizona, resident was fatally mauled by a black bear while having coffee on his property.
"Black bears are predatory animals and should always be considered unpredictable and dangerous," the Arizona Fish & Game Department said on Facebook.
(With inputs from agencies)
