ALPINE, Arizona — A bear walked into a cabin through an open door and attacked a 15-year-old boy who was watching YouTube videos, authorities say.
A news release from the Arizona Game and Fish Department says the teen suffered injuries to his face and arm in the attack Thursday night. The boy was treated at a hospital for his injuries.
“This really could have been a lot worse,” the boy’s mother, Carol Edington Hawkins, tells NBC News. “We’re still in disbelief that this happened, but we’re also feeling very blessed.” She said the door had been left open to allow cool air inside.
Wildlife officials say the teen, named Brigham, was sitting inside the cabin when the black bear, estimated to about 3 years old, entered and attacked. It briefly left the cabin and chased Brigham’s 19-year-old brother, Parker, but then entered the cabin again and again swiped at Brigham, injuring his arm.
When wildlife officials arrived at the cabin, they were able to quickly locate the male bear and kill it, the news release says. The carcass will be examined and tested for disease.
The injuries to Brigham were not life-threatening but he is receiving shots for rabies as a precaution, reports say.
“So many miracles worked together to keep Brigham safe. … Not many kids can say they got in a fight with a bear and came out on top,” Hawkins writes in a post on Facebook.
This is the 16th recorded bear attack on a person in Arizona since 1990. Two of the attacks were fatal, the most recent occurring last year.
“Black bears are predatory animals and should always be considered unpredictable and dangerous,” the news release says.
Elaine Hadley is a dedicated journalist covering the ever-evolving landscape of U.S. news. With a keen interest in politics and a commitment to uncovering the truth, she provides insightful commentary and in-depth analysis on domestic issues. When not reporting, Elaine enjoys exploring the diverse cultures and landscapes of the United States.
