Black Bear Stabbed: Michigan Hunter Stabs Black Bear In Self-Defense

A 46-year-old hunter from Michigan had a lucky escape after he was attacked by a brown bear. According to Michigan Live, the man, whose identity has not been revealed, was out on a porcupine hunting trip in the woods near Clare County when he was attacked by a black bear. In self-defense, the man claims to have stabbed the bear.

The incident reportedly happened on Thursday, September 17, at around 7:30 p.m. local time. In a press release issued by the the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, it is mentioned that authorities suspect the man was attacked by a brown bear. The press release went on to add that the man was treated for minor injuries and later released from the hospital.

The release reads:

“About 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, the man was hunting for porcupine and alone in a ground blind. He reported to police that a black bear came from behind, knocked him over and attacked him. Using his hunting knife, the man stabbed the bear, which scared it off. The bear is thought to be injured”.

The press release went on to add that the injured man informed the DNR of the attack 45 minutes later. Soon, Sgt. Jon Wood of the DNR spoke to the hunter and helped him get medical treatment. Meanwhile, the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division has started an investigation into this latest incident of bear attack. At this time, it is unclear if the bear is injured. However, DNR officials are planning to place bear traps in the area where the attack occurred. The general public have also been informed about the ongoing bear catching efforts. They have also asked people to report any bear sightings by calling the Report All Poaching (RAP) Hotline at 800-292-7800.

While black bears tend to stay away from humans in the area where this bear attack happened, with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 bears in Michigan, authorities are always on the look-out for incidents like this. The DNR has also issued a set of tips that would help people escape and prevent a bear attack:

1) To avoid surprising bears, travel in small groups and make noise.

2) If you encounter a bear, stand your ground and then slowly back away.

3) Do not turn away. Do not show fear, and don’t run. Do not play dead.

4) Make yourself look bigger and talk to the bear in a stern voice.

5) If actually attacked, fight back with a backpack, stick or bare hands.

6) Carry pepper spray, which has been shown to be effective in fending off bear attacks.

The news of this bear attack comes just a few days after we reported about another bear attack — this time in Alaska.

[Image Via Wikimedia Commons]