"Youngster Survives Bear Encounter Against the Odds, Saved by Brother: A Miracle"
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Last week in Arizona, a 15-year-old boy was rescued by his brother following a black bear attack inside a bunkhouse.
Carol Hawkins, mother of the victim Brigham Hawkins, recounted the harrowing event to FOX 10 Phoenix. The Arizona Fish & Game Department confirmed that the incident occurred on Thursday.
The attack unfolded as the teenager was watching television in the family's bunkhouse located in Alpine, Arizona. Meanwhile, the rest of the family was situated in a cabin just twenty feet away, as reported by FOX 10.
"The bear entered the cabin and, as we gathered from the scene, it reached out from behind the couch and scratched his face," Carol recounted.
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Brigham's 18-year-old brother, Parker, heard the commotion and rushed to the bunkhouse. The mother told FOX 10 that, since Brigham has a rare genetic disorder, his siblings are used to looking out for him.
"He started screaming but [Parker] could barely hear him, so he went to go check on him and he thought it was a dog. He thought it was a really large dog," Carol explained.
When Parker arrived, the three-year-old bear suddenly diverted its attention to the older brother.
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"When he got there, the bear turned around and saw him and started chasing him," Carol added.
Brigham's dad helped him escape while Parker distracted the bear. The teen is still being medically treated after suffering cuts on his arms and face, and the bear was later caught and euthanized by officials.
"No matter what you do, bad things can happen," the grateful mother said. "I just feel blessed that things worked out the way they did. I really don't feel like it's luck, it's a blessing."
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Although black bears are significantly less likely to attack humans than brown bears and polar bears are, officials warn that such attacks are still possible.
In June 2023, a Tucscon, Arizona, resident was mauled to death by a black bear while drinking 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 Friday. "If you are headed outdoors this weekend, please be aware of your surroundings and secure your food."
