Mysteries surrounding the deadly bear attack have deepened as an autopsy reveals new information about the beast that killed humans.
In Prescott, Arizona, about 160 miles north of Phoenix, homeowner Stephen Jackson, 66, was suddenly attacked by a male black bear on June 16.
Jackson is said to have died while sitting drinking coffee in the Groom Creek area on the site of a house under construction when the beast grabbed him and dragged him 75 feet down the embankment. Fresno Bee.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the attack on Facebook director He pointed out that the incident happened around 7:50 am MST.
Police said Jackson and the bear were found dead at the scene and that a nearby neighbor obtained a rifle from a man and shot the bear.
The attack has baffled wildlife authorities and law enforcement, who said the situation was “highly unusual and unusual” and “predatory in nature.”
The Arizona Department of Game and Fish then took the 365-pound bear’s remains for autopsy, hoping to learn more about its condition.
On June 21, the department issued a release determining the bear’s age to be approximately 7 to 10 years old, according to a Fresno Bee report.
Dr Anne Justice Allen, a wildlife veterinarian who conducted the examination, said despite suspicions the bear “was in good condition with no obvious signs of illness.”
His body fat was also “well nourished” and the bear tested negative for rabies, which some thought might have made him behave out of character for a bear.
The black bear died after being shot by a neighbor who heard Jackson scream for help.
The last time a bear tested positive for rabies was in 1971, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Service.
Law enforcement also noted that there had been no fatal bear attacks in the area since the 1980s, and it was still unclear what informed the bears.
In a Facebook post, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said, “On the surface, there was nothing on the property, such as food, kitchens, or access to water, that would provoke a bear attack. I saw it,” he said.
“Although the attack did not take place near recreational facilities for camping, authorities still insist that food be kept in vehicles when camping, and items such as toothpaste that could bring bears to campsites. We warn spree-goers to take precautions when camping, such as not placing “
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said the incident will be further investigated and more information will be released as it is discovered.
In the meantime, they extended their condolences to Jackson’s family and the horrified local community.
“My deepest condolences to the Jackson family,” said Sheriff David Rose.
“Words cannot express how sad this situation is and all I can say is our prayers are with you all.”
Some people used comments on the Facebook post to express their condolences and praise for the gun-toting neighbors.
One person wrote, “Thanks to my gun-toting neighbor. My condolences to this man’s family and friends.”
“Prayers for the family. Really tragic. Thank you to the gentleman with the gun who was able to take down the bear,” another woman added.
A third commented, “It’s very heartbreaking. My prayers go out to the Jackson family and neighbors who were trying to help. I had to witness a tragedy like this. I grabbed my gun and stopped the bear.” I am grateful to the person who gave it to me,” he said.
One commenter also advised anyone who likes exploring wild nature to bring a dog in case they encounter a bear as it can scare the beast.
“My advice to anyone living near such nature is to keep at least one, preferably two large dogs for protection and at least as an early warning system against possible dangers. ‘, they advised.
“My mastiff got between me and the bear twice and chased it away. Now I also have a Great Pyrenees dog.”
In any case, officials still warn against shooting bears outside of Jackson-like situations.
“YCSO and Game and Fish warn people not to shoot bears they see unless there is an immediate threat to themselves or others,” police said.
