Hunter Injured in Washington Bear Attack
By Associated Press

3 hours ago
FORKS, Wash. - A black bear attacked and seriously injured a hunter on a road just outside Olympic National Park late Saturday, authorities said.

A second hunter shot and killed the bear before summoning help, said Larry Evans, a shift supervisor for the Washington State Patrol's office in Bremerton.

The injured hunter, whose name wasn't released, was rushed to Forks Hospital with a compound fracture to the arm, a broken hand and several bite marks, Evans said. The victim lost a significant amount of blood, but was expected to survive, Evans said.

The bear had apparently dragged the man away from the site of the attack before it was shot, Evans said.

Troopers said they receive occasional reports of cougar attacks in the area, but bear attacks are relatively rare.

Forks is a small town near the northwest edge of Olympic National Park, one of Washington state's most popular attractions for hunters, anglers and other nature lovers.



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Man, I hope he is ok. This is one reason I always hunted w/ a 7mm Mag. 140 grain in the chamber for deer, 2- 175 grain partitions in the Mag. I always carry a side arm. JP

I wish him a speedy recovery as well.

I was there for a couple of weeks in the late 70's. Mostly cold camp and sleep on the ground. Never gave big preditors much thought. I never did see sign of them.
Trouble seems to come from nowhere alot.
Cheezywan

At least they didn't arrest the guy who shot the bear

The two guys were hunting a bear with special permits for a problem bear on behalf of the local property owner. It appears they had been following it all morning trying to get a shot. The bear had gone in some heavy brush and ambushed the 1st guy when he went in after it, without knowing it stayed in the brush. Looks like it was all legal and the hunter became the hunted when the bear got tired of being chased. So far it sounds like he will recover.