A hunter in Wyoming was assaulted by a bear and inadvertently shot himself while attempting to get the animal away, authorities stated.
Lee Francis, 65, was searching with his 40-year-old boy in the Rock Creek location along the Sawtooth mountains in western Wyoming Friday when a grizzly bear assaulted him, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office stated in a declaration. During the attack, Francis was able to obtain his pistol and fire anumberof rounds, getting the bear to leave. However, authorities stated one of the shots hit Francis in his lower leg.
Francis’ boy was able to call emergencysituation services utilizing a satellite phone while administering veryfirst help care to his dad. With night approaching, Francis’ boy was able to get him on a horse and take them to a neighboring lake to satisfy with search and rescue volunteers, authorities stated.
Further help was offered to Francis, who was then taken to a life flight helicopter and flown to University of Utah Hospital for more treatment. Wyoming Game and Fish were informed of the occurrence and are performing an examination into the attack.
Sgt. Travis Bingham with the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office informed USA TODAY Monday wildlife authorities are still attempting to find the bear, and there are no updates on Francis’ condition.
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Francis’ attack comes simply days after another griz