‘I hit him in the nose and cheek’

Brigham Hawkins was attacked in his family’s cabin on May 23

A 15-year-old boy is recovering from injuries after being attacked twice by a bear in Arizona.

Brigham Hawkins was attacked in the face and body by a bear in a surprise attack while watching TV at his family’s cabin in Alpine, Arizona, on the evening of Thursday, May 23, the Arizona Game and Fish Department said ( AZGFD) in a statement. Press release.

The bear walked through an open cabin door toward the teen, where it “began attacking him from behind,” according to the statement.

“He then exited the cabin and approached other family members before entering the cabin a second time and striking the victim on the arm,” AZGFD said.

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The bear, which was cited as a 3-year-old male, was killed 120 feet from the cabin by department officers shortly after arriving on the scene, KCTV reported.

Hawkins was then taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries.

A photo released of the teenager after the attack showed him with bloody gashes and gashes on his nose and cheek, as well as the inside of his elbow.

The teenager’s mother, Carol, said that her son has a rare neurological disorder, which makes it difficult for him to move quickly, as the bear approached him for the second time, for Arizona Family.

Related: 35-Year-Old Man Seriously Injured After ‘Surprise’ Grizzly Bear Attack in Grand Teton National Park

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think (a bear) would come into the house,” she told the outlet. “He didn’t notice because he came from behind, reached out and hit him in the face twice. I hit the nose and the cheek and then I went ahead and hit the forehead and the top of the head.”

Hawkins was saved by his father and older brother, Parker, in the incident as they chased the bear, according to KCTV.

“It was thanks to the quick reaction of his brother and his family that they were able to distract the bear from what easily in a matter of seconds could have turned into a true tragedy there,” said AZGFD Law Enforcement Supervisor Shawn Wagner. Arizona family.

Hawkins was vaccinated against rabies as a precaution and is “expected to recover,” according to the outlet.

“Everyone who came to help him, he was very appreciative and he’s dealing with it well. And he’s going to be fine,” said Carol.

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This is the 16th bear attack in Arizona since 1990, AZGFD said, according to the release. Two of them were fatal and the most recent attack happened last year in Prescott.

AZGFD reminded the public to be “alert” and aware of wildlife in their area following the latest incident, according to the release.

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