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
Chicago shooting: 4 shot, 3 fatally, in 2 East Garfield Park shootings on Maplewood, Gladys Avenues, police say

Chicago Incident: 4 Shot, 3 Killed in East Garfield Park Shootings, Police Report

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago police reported that two separate shootings in the…
Trial date set for Austin Metcalf’s suspected killer in track meet stabbing

Judge Imposes Gag Order in Austin Metcalf’s Teen Murder Case: A Chronological Overview

The judge presiding over the murder trial of Karmelo Anthony, who faces…
School District 211 meeting gets heated over debate on transgender Conant High School volleyball player

Tensions Rise at School District 211 Meeting Over Transgender Volleyball Player at Conant High School

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) — Suburban residents voiced their concerns at a meeting…
Surgeon Ryan Cho leaving the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Trainee Doctor Accused of Illegally Filming Women in Hospital Restrooms: Faces 130 Charges

A TRAINEE doctor has been accused of secretly filming hundreds of women…
Kayla Bailey found alive after two-day search, mother speaks out

Kayla Bailey Located Safe After 48-Hour Search; Mother Breaks Her Silence

Kayla Bailey was located alive in a forested area following a two-day…
David Baronsky missing from senior living in Jacksonville

David Baronsky Reported Missing from Jacksonville Senior Living Facility

Police say he was found safe around 5:45 p.m. Thursday. JACKSONVILLE, Fla.…
Villanova University issues active shooter alert amid orientation events

Active Shooter Alert Issued at Villanova University During Orientation Events

On Thursday, Villanova University issued an active shooter alert via its Nova…
American Airlines plane landing.

Disturbing Mayday Call from American Airlines Pilot Highlights Aircraft’s Multiple Issues

Frightening audio recordings reveal the intense moment when an American Airlines pilot…
Mugshot of Erik Menendez.

Erik and Lyle Menendez May Still Be Released Despite Parole Denial, Family Continues Their Battle

ERIK and Lyle Menendez may have another shot at freedom even if…
JSO: Person found dead inside home on West 18th Street in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Authorities: Deceased Individual Discovered in West 18th Street Residence

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said foul play is suspected in the person’s…
California Gov. Newsom signs legislation calling special election on redrawn congressional map

California Governor Newsom Approves New Congressional Map and Special Election

SACRAMENTO, Calif (AP) — In November, California voters will deliberate on a…
Russian cruise missiles hit US company in massive Ukraine strike amid Trump’s peace push

Russian Missiles Target US Company in Major Ukraine Attack During Trump’s Peace Efforts

In one of the largest overnight strikes since the war began, Russia…