A 15-year-old boy in Arizona was attacked by a black bear at his dorm last week but was rescued by his brother.
Carol Hawkins, the mother of attack victim Brigham Hawkins, spoke to FOX 10 Phoenix about the horrific incident, which the Arizona Department of Fish and Wildlife says happened on Thursday.
The incident happened while the boy was watching TV in the family’s bungalow in Alpine, Arizona, while the rest of the family was in a shed about 20 feet away, according to FOX 10.
“We suspect the bear came into the cabin, hit him over the back of the couch and scratched him in the face,” Carol explained.
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15-year-old Brigham Hawkins survived a horrific attack by a black bear last week. (Carol Hawkins via FOX 10 Phoenix/iStock)
Brigham’s 18-year-old brother, Parker, heard the commotion and rushed to the bunkhouse. His mother told FOX 10 that Brigham has a rare genetic disorder, so his siblings are used to taking care of him.
“He started screaming, [Parker] “He could barely hear so he went to check on him and he thought it was a dog – a really big dog,” Carol explained.
When Parker arrived, the three-year-old Bear suddenly turned his attention to his older brother, Parker.
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The Hawkins family regularly takes camping trips to Alpine, Arizona. (Carol Hawkins via FOX 10 Phoenix)
“Once he got there, the bear turned around, saw him and started chasing him,” Carroll added.
Brigham’s father helped him escape while Parker distracted the bear. Brigham suffered cuts to his arms and face and is still receiving treatment, while the bear was later captured and euthanized by authorities.
“No matter what you do, bad things happen,” the grateful mother said, “I’m just lucky that things have worked out the way they have. I don’t really consider it luck, I consider it blessing.”
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Although black bears are significantly less likely to attack humans than brown or polar bears, officials warn such attacks can still occur.
An undated photograph of the Hawkins children on a camping trip. (Carol Hawkins via FOX 10 Phoenix)
In June 2023, a Tucson, Arizona resident was attacked and killed by a black bear while drinking coffee on his property.
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“Black bears are predators and should be considered unpredictable and dangerous at all times,” the Arizona Department of Fish and Wildlife said on Facebook Friday. “If you are outdoors this weekend, please be aware of your surroundings and make sure you have food.”
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