Earlier this year, a 66-year-old man was tragically killed in a fatal bear attack in Arizona.
Fatal bear attacks are rare events, especially in a state like Arizona where the bear population is relatively low. However, as this tragic incident involving Steven Jackson indicates, they do happen, underscoring the need for caution when in bear-inhabited areas.
This article delves into the details of this unfortunate event, providing an in-depth look at the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Furthermore, we will examine the history of bear attacks in Arizona and the times when bears are most dangerous.
That being said, it’s important to remember that while bears are generally peaceful creatures, they are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution.
Key Points
- A 66-year-old man named Steven Jackson was killed in a fatal bear attack in Arizona.
- The attack was described as “highly unusual” and “predatory in nature” and involved an adult male black bear, estimated to be 7 to 10 years old and weighing 365 lbs.
- Arizona is home to approximately 3,000 black bears, the only bear species in the state.
- Bear attacks in Arizona are relatively rare. Since the 80s, there’s only been 15 reported bear attacks.
- The first recorded fatal bear attack in Arizona took place on July 25, 2011.
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The Bear Population In Arizona
The Black Bear is the only species that you can find in the state of Arizona. The state is home to approximately 3,000 black bears. Black Bears inhabit various regions, including coniferous forests, oak woodlands, chaparral, and mixed-wood forests.
Compared to other states, Arizona does not have a high concentration of bears. For instance, Alaska has around 100,000 black bears, California has between 25,000 to 35,000, and even smaller states like Maine have a population of about 35,000 black bears.
Therefore, while Arizona does have a significant bear population, it is not considered high compared to many other states in the U.S. It’s important to note that bear populations can fluctuate due to various factors, including habitat availability, food resources, and human-bear interactions.
Fatal Bear Attack In Arizona: The Tragic Event
In a tragic incident, a 66-year-old man named Steven Jackson was killed in a fatal bear attack in Arizona.
At the time, Steven was in a remote, forested area in Groom Creek near Prescott. Here, he was in the process of building a cabin. It was early morning when he was sitting outside his campsite, having his morning coffee, when the bear attacked him.
What’s noteworthy about the attack is that it was completely unprovoked – which is extremely rare.
Neighbours heard screaming coming from his property and attempted to save their friend. Tragically, they arrived too late. They tried to scare the bear away by yelling and honking horns, but the bear had dragged Jackson about 75 feet and was in the process of consuming him. One neighbor eventually shot and killed the bear, but it was too late to save Jackson’s life.
This incident, described as “highly unusual” and “predatory in nature” by authorities, has left the tight-knit community in shock. The bear involved was an adult male black bear, estimated to be 7 to 10 years old and weighing 365 lbs. Overall, it appeared healthy and showed no signs of disease.
Read about another bear attack, involving a wildlife photographer, here.
The First Fatal Attack In 12 years
Bear attacks in Arizona are relatively rare but have occurred throughout history. Since the 80s, there’s only been 15 reported bear attacks.
Moreover, other than the recent attack involving Steven Jackson, there has only been one other fatal bear attack.
The first recorded fatal bear attack in Arizona took place on July 25, 2011. The victim was Lana Hollingsworth, a 61-year-old woman who was attacked by a 250 lb black bear while walking her dog at a country club in Pinetop-Lakeside. She passed away nearly a month later from a massive brain hemorrhage, which doctors believe was a result of the attack.
Bear attacks are typically rare and often occur when humans unknowingly encroach on bear territory or come between a mother bear and her cubs. It’s important to remember that bears are wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution.
When Are Bears Most Dangerous?
Bears are generally peaceful creatures, but they can become dangerous in certain situations. The most dangerous times are during their mating season (June to mid-July for black bears and May to July for grizzlies), and when a mother bear is with her cubs. During these periods, bears can be more aggressive and protective.
Bears are also more dangerous when they are hungry, which is often in the spring when they have just emerged from hibernation, and in the fall when they are trying to gain weight for the winter.
Another risky time is when bears have become habituated to human food or garbage. They can lose their natural fear of humans and become bold or aggressive in their attempts to get more.
While not as dangerous, raccoon attacks are fairly common – read about one here.
Fatal Bear Attack In Arizona: Conclusion
In conclusion, while Arizona is home to a significant population of black bears, the concentration is not high compared to other states. The tragic incident involving Steven Jackson underscores the fact that while bear attacks are rare, they can and do occur, and are often unpredictable.
The rarity of such attacks in Arizona, with only 15 reported since the 80s, emphasizes the unusual nature of this event.
It’s important to remember that bears can become especially dangerous in certain situations. They are most dangerous during their mating season, when they are hungry, and when they have become habituated to human food or garbage.
This tragic incident reminds us that it’s crucial to treat these wild animals with respect and caution. It is crucial to follow local guidelines and advice when in areas known to be inhabited by bears.
Thank you for reading this article about this recent fatal bear attack in Arizona! If you enjoyed this article, you should take a look at these too:
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