Bear attacks teen with rare neurological disorder in horrific Arizona attack after sneaking into his cabin while he was watching videos on his phone

• Brigham Hawkins, 15, was mauled by a black bear at his family's vacation cabin
• The bear entered through an open door into the cabin in the Apache National Forest.
• Brigham's disorder prevents him from moving quickly, but his brother saved him

A black bear mauled a teenager with a rare neurological disease after entering an Arizona vacation cabin through an open door.

Brigham Hawkins, 15, was caught off guard by the predator that snuck inside while he was relaxing in the Apache National Forest retreat.

His family claims he accidentally left the cabin door open, allowing the beast to enter.

Brigham's rare neurological disease prevents him from moving quickly. So he had little hope of defending himself against the three-year-old bear.

Carol said he was watching YouTube videos with the back door open when the black bear slipped inside and patted his face from behind.

“He didn't realize it because he was coming from behind, and he was reaching out and hitting her face twice,” Carol told AZ Family.

“I got him on the nose and the cheek, then I went ahead and got his forehead and the top of his head.”

Carol said the bear left the cabin after the first strike, but then returned to launch a second attack.

Fortunately, Brigham's brother Parker was nearby and heard him scream. He ran back to the cabin and was able to chase the bear away.

Shawn Wagner, law enforcement supervisor for the Arizona Department of Fish and Game, said Parker likely saved his brother's life.

“It was thanks to the quick reaction of his brother and his family that they were able to distract the bear from what, in a matter of seconds, could have turned into a real tragedy,” he told AZ Family.

Authorities were also called to the scene, where they found the bear and killed it.

His body was taken to the state health lab where it is being tested for rabies.

Brigham was taken to the hospital where his injuries were treated and he received a preventative rabies vaccine. He is expected to make a full recovery.

“Everyone who came to help him, he got a big thank you and so he's handling the situation well. And everything will be fine,” his mother told AZ Family.

Wagner said this was only the 16th bear attack on people in Arizona since 1990, and of those attacks, only two were fatal.

“Having an attack is extremely rare,” he said.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department advises people vacationing in areas where bears also live to be aware of their surroundings.

Officials advise storing food or other items that could attract a bear and avoiding leaving leftovers in tents or barbecue grills.

The ministry also advises setting up camps away from places where bears usually feed, such as lakes and other bodies of water.

They recommend hiking in groups rather than alone, making noise and avoiding wearing scents that could attract bears like lotions, scented deodorants or perfume.

If you encounter a bear, back away slowly while maintaining eye contact – don't run.

Authorities advise appearing as tall as possible if a bear approaches by flapping your arms or pulling your shirt higher than your head.

In the event of an attack, the department advises throwing objects, shouting and fighting back.