In a tale that’s as heartwarming as it is hair-raising, a 59-year-old man in Northern California found himself the unexpected victim of a bear’s misunderstanding. The incident occurred late last month in the rugged terrain of Humboldt County, near the Oregon border, where the wild truly reigns supreme. Our unnamed hero was driving along a secluded road when he spotted a massive black bear, apparently injured at the roadside. According to some accounts, he witnessed the bear being struck by another vehicle, while others claim it was he who accidentally hit the creature, spurring a wave of guilt that prompted him to attempt a rescue.
In an act of bravery, or perhaps folly, the man decided to step out of his car and lend a helping hand to the 400-pound beast. His intention? To assist the bear over a concrete barrier, offering it a chance at survival. However, this was no cub; it was a full-grown black bear with a powerful jaw and a limited understanding of human kindness. The bear, unaware of its would-be savior’s intentions and driven by instinct and pain, responded with a ferocious attack, clamping down on the man’s left forearm “multiple times.”
In a stroke of luck, an off-duty EMT happened upon the scene. Acting swiftly, the EMT applied a tourniquet to the man’s arm and dialed 911, likely saving his life. The injured man received medical treatment at a nearby hospital, though his current condition remains undisclosed.
Tragically, the bear did not survive the ordeal. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the inherent risks of intervening, even with the best of intentions. In the wild world of the 1980s, where human and nature occasionally collide, this story stands out as a cautionary tale about the fine line between bravery and foolhardiness.
