Share this @internewscast.com

A Wyoming hunter was recovering Monday after he shot himself as he was trying to fight off an attacking grizzly bear over the weekend, authorities said.

Lee Francis, of Evanston, was hunting with his son in a western Wyoming area known as Rock Creek, south of Grand Teton National Park, when he fired at the animal about 6 p.m. Friday, according to the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office.

Francis “was able to draw his handgun and fired several rounds, which caused the bear to disengage and flee; however, one of the rounds struck Lee in the lower leg,” the agency said.

Francis’ son used a handheld satellite emergency notification device to call for help, sheriff’s Sgt. Travis Bingham said.

A helicopter rushed him to University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City, where he was discharged Monday afternoon, hospital spokesperson Suzanne Winchester said.

The device his son used, which is sometimes called a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger, sent location coordinates to the Texas-based International Emergency Respond Coordination Center, owned by the GPS firm Garmin. The center notified the nearest first responders.

The son provided first aid to control bleeding before he coordinated a plan to meet rescuers near Water Dog Lake, the sheriff’s office said. Francis was taken by horseback to the rendezvous point, arriving about 9:20 p.m., it said.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is investigating the attack and searching for the bear.

It was the second bear attack reported in Wyoming this month. On Oct. 15, a grizzly mauled two college wrestlers hunting in Shoshone National Forest, about 25 miles east of Grand Teton National Park, authorities said.

Kendell Cummings and Brady Lowry, sophomores at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, both had surgery in Billings and were expected to make full recoveries, officials said.

Wildlife officials have said there has been “an abundance of bear activity” in the area of the Shoshone National Forest attack, also in western Wyoming.

Residents and hunters have reported six to 10 bears roaming the lower elevations near Cody, it said.

“Game and Fish will continue to monitor bear activity in the area and work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make management decisions in the best interest of public safety,” Dan Smith, an agency supervisor, said in a statement.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears look to get payback against Michah Parsons-less Green Bay Packers in NFC North showdown

Caleb Williams and Chicago Bears Aim for Redemption Against Green Bay Packers in NFC North Clash, Benefiting From Micah Parsons’ Absence

CHICAGO — Riding high with a five-game winning streak and victories in…
State Attorney's Office to seek death penalty for suspect in deadly Putnam County stabbing

Putnam County Stabbing Case: State Attorney Pursues Death Penalty for Suspect

The harrowing nature of a recent crime in Putnam County, Florida, has…
Dr. Oz on Minnesota Taxpayer Fraud: 'You Have to Come Down Hard'

Dr. Oz Urges Strong Action Against Minnesota’s Taxpayer Fraud Issues

On the Alex Marlow Show, Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Administrator of the…
NC plane crash: Passenger texted family member ahead of crash that killed Greg Biffle and family, NTSB says

Tragic North Carolina Plane Crash: Passenger’s Final Text Revealed Before Incident Claims Lives of Greg Biffle and Family, Reports NTSB

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively…
Ex-Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack arrested in Texas

Former Jaguars Linebacker Myles Jack Detained in Texas

Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack faced arrest in Frisco, Texas, on…
NYCHA must be central to Mamdani housing plan

Transforming NYC Housing: Why NYCHA is Key to Mamdani’s Visionary Plan

For a glimpse into New York’s housing outlook, it’s crucial to consider…
Elizabeth Smart blasts Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘country club’ prison treatment: ‘Makes me sick’

Elizabeth Smart Condemns Ghislaine Maxwell’s ‘Luxury’ Prison Conditions: ‘It’s Appalling

Elizabeth Smart has expressed her anger over reports that Ghislaine Maxwell, the…
After firing Steve Wilks, Aaron Glenn needs to get next DC hire right

Aaron Glenn Faces Crucial Decision: Finding the Right Defensive Coordinator After Steve Wilks’ Departure

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is proactively searching for a new defensive…
Today in History: December 20, Howard Beach racial murder

Unveiling the Past: The Impact of Howard Beach Racial Murder on December 20th

Saturday, December 20, 2025, marks the 354th day of the year, leaving…
City of Chicago budget vote: Rare Saturday Chicago City Council meeting to be held as Mayor Brandon Johnson pushes head tax

Chicago City Council Convenes Unusual Saturday Session for Crucial Budget Vote on Mayor Johnson’s Proposed Head Tax

As the holiday season approaches, Chicago’s city leaders find themselves in a…
Congestion pricing = accessible transit

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: How Congestion Pricing Fuels Enhanced Public Transit Accessibility

New York City’s public transit system is renowned for its ability to…
Jake Paul fight: Anthony Joshua knocks out YouTuber in 6th round to win heavyweight bout

Anthony Joshua Defeats Jake Paul with Sixth-Round Knockout in Heavyweight Showdown

MIAMI — In a thrilling showdown on Friday night, Anthony Joshua delivered…