(ReclaimingAmerica.net) – In a shocking event last Friday, a bear in Arizona fatally attacked a 66-year-old man, Steven Jackson, from Tucson. This incident happened in Groom Creek near Prescott, a secluded forest region about 100 miles north of Phoenix. Described by the authorities as “highly unusual” and unprovoked, this rare attack has left the local community in disbelief.
Jackson was constructing a cabin in the area at the time of the attack. According to Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes, Jackson was outside his campsite, sitting in a chair before 8 a.m. local time, when the bear launched its attack. The bear forcefully dragged Jackson about 75 yards away, proceeding to maul him.
Neighbors heard Jackson’s screams for help during the ordeal. Despite their efforts to distract the bear by shouting and honking their horns, their attempts were unsuccessful. One of the neighbors managed to grab a rifle and shoot the bear, killing it. However, Jackson had already succumbed to his injuries.
The emergency services received multiple calls about a man being brutally attacked by a bear. The authorities expressed their shock at the horrifying scene they discovered, labeling it a unique and heart-wrenching incident. Sheriff Rhodes spoke fondly of Jackson, highlighting that he was well-respected in their close-knit community.
Darren Tucker, a field supervisor with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, mentioned that the bear involved was a healthy adult male black bear. He pointed out that the bear displayed no visible signs of sickness or disease. Tucker referred to the attack as predatory, saying it was highly unusual and not the typical bear behavior.
Bear attacks often have a connection to food, and this aspect will be investigated further, Tucker added. However, no clear reasons for the attack have been identified. A complete examination of the bear may provide insights into why this tragic event occurred.
Before this incident, Tucker said no reports of aggressive or threatening bear behavior were reported in the area. With the bear now dead, the authorities confirmed no ongoing threat to the public.
Following the fatal incident, the sheriff’s office urged residents not to shoot bears “unless there is an immediate threat,” reminding them that it’s generally illegal.
Arizona is primarily inhabited by black bears, and attacks are rare, stated John Trierweiler, a spokesperson for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Since the late 1980s, there have been only 15 reported bear attacks in the state, with this being the second fatal. The last deadly bear attack in Arizona occurred in 2011 in Pinetop.
