What happened?
A grizzly bear attacked a 10-year-old boy who was hiking with his family at Yellowstone National Park on Thursday, Aug. 23.
The boy, who was on a family trip from Washington state, ran away after the female bear emerged from the woods. After the bear chased and knocked him over, the boy’s parents fought off the bear using pepper spray, according to BBC News.
According to the US National Park Service statement, the boy “suffered an injured wrist, puncture wounds to the back and wounds around the buttocks.”
The Latest
The family took the boy to a ranger station at Old Faithful. He was sent to a clinic and then transferred to a hospital for treatment, Fox News reported.
“This incident could have been more serious. We applaud the family for traveling in a group, carrying bear spray and knowing how to effectively use it,” Yellowstone National Park Deputy Superintendent Pat Kenney said.
What’s Next
Park officials said they believe the bear attacked in defense of her cub, according to BBC.
Since the incident was a surprise encounter, rangers do not intend to search for the bear, according to USA Today.
In Context
Yellowstone National Park reports an average of one bear attack per year, but this is the first reported bear attack in 3 years, according to USA Today.
Park officials suggest that hikers carry bear spray, make noise and hike in groups.