Arizona Teen Survives Bear Attack in Family Cabin

An Arizona mother is expressing immense gratitude after her teenage son narrowly escaped a black bear attack in their family cabin. Carol Edington Hawkins recounted the harrowing incident that left her 15-year-old son, Brigham, with severe scratches on his face and arm.

"This really could have been a lot worse," Hawkins told NBC News. "We're still in disbelief that this happened, but we're also feeling very blessed."

A Terrifying Encounter

On Thursday evening, Brigham was relaxing in one of the two cabins on his grandparents' property in Alpine when the unexpected visitor arrived. "He was just chilling," Hawkins said, when the bear "walked in through the front door and swiped him across the head."

The door had been left open to let in the cool night air, and Brigham, who was engrossed in watching YouTube, did not notice the bear's entrance until it was too late.

"When the bear struck, Brigham started screaming," Hawkins said. The bear's attack left him with injuries to his nose, cheek, forehead, and the top of his head.

Heroic Actions

Brigham's older brother, Parker, 18, heard the screams and rushed from the other cabin to help. Initially mistaking the bear for a large dog, Parker quickly realized the danger. His presence distracted the bear, allowing Brigham to shut the cabin door.

"Parker at first thought it was a big dog of some kind," Hawkins said. "Then the bear saw Parker and began to chase him. That gave Brigham time to slam the door shut in his cabin."

Parker managed to return to the other cabin with the bear close behind. "He was just pacing there for a while as we watched him through the window," Hawkins said. "Then he sat down on a couch on the porch and just looked around. It was insane."

A Narrow Escape

While Hawkins called 911 and a neighbor for help, her husband, Shane, waited for the right moment. "He waited for the bear to look away and then darted to the cabin where Brigham was holed up," she said. "He slammed the door in the bear's face."

By the time agents from the Arizona Game and Fish Department arrived, the bear had left the area. "After arriving on scene, AZGFD wildlife officers were able to quickly locate and dispatch the bear," the agency said in a statement. The bear, a 3-year-old male, will be tested for diseases.

Gratitude and Recovery

Brigham is recovering well and has already received a round of rabies shots as a precaution. Hawkins remains puzzled about the bear's behavior. "He may have just been hungry," she said. "But that's just not a normal way for a bear to behave."

Had Parker not intervened, Brigham might not have survived. "He has a neurological disorder and would not have been able to get away from the bear," Hawkins said. "It took a few miracles happening at the same time to save him."

Bear Attacks in Arizona

According to the Game and Fish Department, there have been 16 bear attacks on people in Arizona since 1990, with two fatalities. The most recent fatal attack occurred last year in Prescott, where a 66-year-old man was killed by a black bear while having his morning coffee in a wooded area.

Earlier this month, on May 19, a hiker in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming survived an attack by a grizzly bear. The 35-year-old Massachusetts man was exploring the backcountry when he encountered the bear.

The Hawkins family's encounter serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of wildlife and the importance of staying vigilant, even in seemingly safe environments. The family's quick thinking and bravery in the face of danger undoubtedly saved Brigham's life, turning a potential tragedy into a story of survival and resilience.

Increased Awareness and Preventive Measures

Following the incident, local authorities are urging residents and visitors in bear-prone areas to take extra precautions. This includes securing food and trash, keeping doors and windows closed, and staying aware of surroundings. Educational programs about living safely in bear habitats are being promoted to prevent future encounters.

As Brigham continues to recover, the Hawkins family is grateful for the support from their community and the quick response from wildlife officers. Their story underscores the importance of preparedness and the value of quick thinking in emergency situations.

Future Precautions and Community Response

In the aftermath of the attack, the Hawkins family and their community are taking steps to enhance safety measures. Neighbors are installing bear-proof garbage cans and reinforcing doors and windows to prevent future incursions. The local community is also organizing informational sessions on bear safety, inviting experts to educate residents on best practices for avoiding encounters with wildlife.

The Game and Fish Department is increasing patrols in the area to monitor bear activity and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. They are also distributing educational materials to inform people about the signs of bear presence and what to do if they encounter a bear.

Conclusion

The Hawkins family's experience is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human habitation and wildlife habitats. It highlights the need for vigilance, preparedness, and respect for nature. Brigham's recovery and the family's resilience in the face of such a traumatic event exemplify the strength and unity of the community. As they continue to heal and move forward, their story serves as a powerful testament to the importance of safety and awareness in bear country.