Boy saves father from bear attack in western Wisconsin

In early September 2023, a remarkable incident occurred in southern Burnett County, Wisconsin, where a boy heroically intervened during a bear attack on his father. The attack took place east of Siren, highlighting the dangers posed by wildlife in the region. Initially, the boy shot the black bear, which fled into the woods, prompting the family's dog to follow its blood trail. This led the father and son to encounter the bear again at close range. During the confrontation, the father attempted to defend himself with a handgun but was overpowered as the bear attacked, inflicting serious injuries to his abdomen, arm, and leg. In a critical moment, the boy, who possessed a valid bear hunting permit, used his rifle to fatally shoot the bear, ultimately saving his father's life. The bear was estimated to weigh around 200 pounds. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now investigating the bear's age by examining its teeth, as part of their ongoing wildlife management efforts. This incident underscores the rarity of bear attacks in Wisconsin, with only nine reported between 2013 and 2022, indicating that such encounters are uncommon despite the state's population of over 24,000 black bears. The DNR's findings also reflect a broader context of bear interactions in the region, including a previous incident in June 2022, where a couple survived a bear attack in Taylor County. This event serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife and the importance of preparedness in bear country.