An archery hunter who was knocked down and bitten by a bear while hunting elk with his friend has survived the surprise attack, officials said.
The incident occurred on Sunday morning when the hunter and his friend were hunting elk west of Henrys Lake in Island Park, Idaho, approximately 15 miles west of Yellowstone National Park, and were attacked by an adult male grizzly bear.
During the surprise encounter in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near the Divide Creek Road, one of the hunters was “knocked down and bitten by the bear,” according to a statement from Idaho Fish and Game regarding the incident.
“Both men were able to utilize their sidearms to shoot the bear, deterring the attack and killing the bear,” Idaho Fish and Game said. “The hunters were able to call 911 and the injured individual was transported by helicopter to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.”
An archery hunter who was knocked down and bitten by a bear while hunting elk with his friend has survived the surprise attack, officials in Idaho said.
Idaho Fish and Game
Idaho Fish and Game say they responded to the scene where the attack happened after coordinating with Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Caribou-Targhee National Forest and Emergency Medical Service teams and that conservation officers conducted a “thorough investigation and determined that the hunters acted in self-defense during a surprise encounter with the bear from a very close distance.”
“I am extremely grateful that both of these individuals survived this encounter,” said Fish and Game Regional Supervisor Matt Pieron. “I have had the opportunity to speak with the injured hunter and his family and they are truly wonderful people. I wish him a speedy recovery from his injuries and the trauma these two hunters experienced.”
According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife, it is illegal to kill bears unless it is in a situation that requires self-defense.
“Grizzly bears in the 48 contiguous states are currently protected as a threatened species. It is illegal to harm, harass or kill these bears, except in cases of self-defense or the defense of others,” U.S. officials said. “Grizzly bear conservation is complex and only made possible through a variety of partnerships with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee, state wildlife agencies, Native American Tribes, federal agencies, universities and other organizations.”
Idaho Fish and Game took the opportunity to remind people about safety procedures when hunting, suggesting that people venturing out in to the wilderness in north Idaho and the Greater Yellowstone area should always carry bear spray and keep it readily accessible, always hunt with partners and make each other aware of plans, keep an eye out for grizzly bear signs like fresh tracks, retrieve meat as quickly as possible and hang it — along with food and garbage — at least 200 yards from camp and 10 feet off the ground, and finally, by making noise when not hunting, especially around creeks and thick vegetation because “most attacks occur by inadvertently surprising a bear at close range.”
In the vast wilderness of North America, encounters between humans and grizzly bears are not uncommon. For one archery hunter, a routine hunting trip turned into a harrowing survival story when he came face to face with one of nature’s most formidable predators.
The hunter, who wishes to remain anonymous, was deep in the backcountry of Montana, tracking a prized elk when he stumbled upon a massive grizzly bear. Startled by the sudden encounter, the bear let out a deafening roar and charged towards the hunter with lightning speed.
In a split second decision, the hunter raised his bow and arrow, taking aim at the charging beast. With adrenaline pumping through his veins, he released the arrow, hitting the bear square in the chest. The bear let out a guttural growl of pain, but continued its relentless charge towards the hunter.
Realizing that his first shot was not enough to stop the bear, the hunter quickly nocked another arrow and took aim once more. This time, he aimed for the bear’s head, hoping to deliver a fatal shot. As the bear closed in on him, the hunter released the arrow with precision, hitting the bear between the eyes.
The impact of the arrow stunned the bear, causing it to stumble and fall just a few feet away from the hunter. Seizing the opportunity, the hunter quickly grabbed his hunting knife and delivered a final blow to the bear’s heart, ensuring that the predator was truly defeated.
Shaken but alive, the hunter radioed for help and was eventually rescued by a team of wildlife officials. His incredible survival story quickly spread throughout the hunting community, earning him both admiration and respect for his quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger.
This encounter serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in the wild and the importance of being prepared for any situation. While encounters with grizzly bears are rare, it is crucial for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to be equipped with the necessary skills and tools to defend themselves in case of an attack.
The hunter’s story also highlights the delicate balance between humans and wildlife in their natural habitats. As we continue to encroach upon their territories, it is essential to respect and coexist with these majestic creatures, while also taking precautions to ensure our own safety.
Ultimately, this survival story serves as a testament to the resilience and courage of those who venture into the untamed wilderness, facing challenges that test their strength and determination. It is a reminder that in the face of adversity, we must remain vigilant, resourceful, and above all, never lose hope in our ability to overcome even the most daunting of obstacles.
