Gavin Haakenson, a moose hunter in Alaska, miraculously survived a brown bear attack on September 2 while scouting for game near the Killey River with his friend Ethan Yeager.
According to Haakenson, he was confronted by a charging brown bear from about 10 feet away, which was growling loudly and had its teeth exposed. The bear struck Haakenson in the shoulder, knocking him down, and he remembers trying to shoulder his rifle before his memory blacked out.
Haakenson's friend Yeager intervened by firing his pistol at the bear, which eventually got off Haakenson and ran away. The entire ordeal lasted less than 10 seconds, after which Haakenson and Yeager quickly retreated to their truck, yelling at the bear as they went.
Despite being bruised and sore, Haakenson escaped the attack without major wounds or broken bones. The bear, however, tore through his coat and damaged his rifle. Wildlife officers later searched the area but were unable to locate the bear.
Haakenson has not ruled out returning to the area, but acknowledges the risks involved. He expressed gratitude that he doesn't remember the worst part of the attack and is wary of encountering the bear again.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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