The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) took swift action last night, killing a black bear after it attacked a 15-year-old male in Alpine, Arizona. The incident underscores the importance of being vigilant in bear country and following safety guidelines to avoid wildlife conflicts.
The attack occurred when the young victim was sitting inside a cabin with the door open. The bear entered the cabin and swiped at the teenager from behind before leaving and approaching other family members outside. The bear re-entered the cabin a second time and swiped at the victim’s arm. AZGFD wildlife officers responded promptly and were able to locate and kill the bear. The victim sustained injuries to his face and arm and was treated at a local hospital.
AZGFD officers identified the bear as a male black bear, approximately three years old. The bear’s carcass will undergo examination and testing for diseases by the department’s wildlife health specialists.
Bear Behavior and Safety
Black bears are inherently predatory and should always be considered unpredictable and dangerous. The AZGFD’s response to this incident is guided by their human-wildlife conflicts policy, which outlines acceptable and unacceptable wildlife behaviors and appropriate responses to ensure public safety.
Since 1990, Arizona has recorded 16 bear attacks on humans, with two resulting in fatalities. The most recent fatality occurred last year in Prescott. This latest incident serves as a stark reminder for those living in or visiting bear country to remain “bear aware” and adhere to safety guidelines.
Bear Safety Tips
To minimize the risk of bear encounters and attacks, AZGFD offers the following tips:
When Camping:
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in a tent.
- Avoid burning leftover food or trash on the grill.
- Set up campsites away from areas where bears may forage for food, such as creeks, rivers, and other bodies of water.
When Hiking:
- Avoid wearing scented lotions, deodorants, or perfumes.
- Make noise or hike in groups to alert bears of your presence.
- If hiking with a pet, keep it on a leash at all times.
In Case of a Bear Encounter:
- Do NOT run.
- Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact with the bear.
- Make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket over your head.
- Throw items and yell at the bear to scare it away.
- If attacked, fight back aggressively.
For more information on living with bears and to obtain a brochure on bear safety, visit AZGFD’s Living with Wildlife page: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/.
The swift action by AZGFD wildlife officers in killing the black bear that attacked a teenager in Alpine highlights the department’s commitment to public safety and managing human-wildlife conflicts. This incident serves as a crucial reminder for everyone in bear country to stay informed and take necessary precautions to prevent such dangerous encounters. By following AZGFD’s safety tips and guidelines, residents and visitors can help ensure a safer coexistence with Arizona’s wildlife.
