Teenager attacked by black bear while at cabin in eastern Arizona

ALPINE, AZ — A 15-year-old boy is recovering after being attacked by a bear Thursday in eastern Arizona.

Officials with the Arizona Department of Fish and Game say they were alerted to a black bear attack in Alpine, near the Arizona-New Mexico border.

Authorities say the boy was sitting in a cabin when the bear entered through an open door and hit him from behind. The bear then left the cabin and approached other family members before re-entering the cabin and hitting the bear's arm.

The boy suffered injuries to his face and arm and was taken to hospital for treatment.

When wildlife officers arrived, they located and “dispatched” the bear. The photo above is a stock photo of a black bear, not the bear involved in this incident.

AZGFD agents say the bear was a male black bear and was estimated to be approximately 3 years old. The bear carcass is examined and tested by wildlife health specialists.

The incident is the 16th bear attack on people in Arizona since 1990, according to the AZGFD.

Last year near Prescott, a man was killed in an “unprovoked” bear attack.

Wildlife officials have provided the following tips to help prevent bear attacks outdoors:

At camping

• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep food and attractants secure and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in a tent.
• Do not burn leftover food or waste on the grill.
• Set up a campsite away from places where bears might forage, such as streams, rivers and other bodies of water.

On a hike

• Do not wear scented lotions, deodorants, or perfumes.
• Make some noise or go hiking in a group.
• Hiking with a pet? Keep him on a leash at all times.

In case of encounter with a bear

• Do not run.
• Back away slowly while maintaining eye contact with the bear.
• Make yourself appear taller than you are by flaunting your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket higher than your head.
• Throw things and yell at the bear.
• If you are attacked, fight back.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department, click here.

If you see bears displaying unacceptable behavior, hanging out in human-occupied areas and/or showing no fear of humans, please report any sightings to the AZGFD at 623-236-7201. In case of emergency, call 911.