Saturday, November 18, 2006

Bear attack in Augusta County

Hunter wounded by 600-pound black bear

One of the things I enjoy about living in this part of the state is the lack of development and the variety of wildlife I see in my yard - deer, bears, turkeys, foxes, even the detested coyotes. Black bears come through occasionally but we've never had a problem with them ... and they're usually in the 150- to 200-pound range.

A 600-pound black bear is huge for these parts!

Today's Staunton News Leader has this article about four hunters in the eastern part of Augusta County who shot a 600-pound bear with a muzzle loader, and then tracked it to where it fell. When they walked up on the bear, thinking it was dead, the bear attacked one of the hunters, injuring him severely enough to be airlifted to UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville where he was listed in fair condition.

Even the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries expressed surprise at the size ... and those folks have seen lots of black bears. I hope to catch up with a couple of friends later today who work for Game and Inland Fisheries to hear their take on this bear story.

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