An Idaho hunter is recovering at a Boise hospital after an encounter with a black bear in the Idaho wilderness left him seriously injured.
According to Idaho Fish and Game, Marvin Jennings of Boise and his uncle from Lynwood, WA were hunting near Clear Creek Sunday evening when they encountered a Black Bear.
The pair was hunting over a bait area when the uncle shot and wounded the bear. When Jennings approached, the bear knocked him down and bit him multiple times on the left arm and leg. Jennings then shot and killed the bear with a handgun.
Jennings is in serious condition at St. Alphonsus according to hospital spokesperson.
We will continue to update this story as details become available.
This is the Release from Idaho Fish and Game:
Boise Hunter Recovering from Bear Encounter
A Boise-area hunter will recover from bite wounds he received after being attacked by a wounded black bear near Grimes Creek in Boise County. Marvin Jennings (43) of Boise and his uncle from Lynnwood, WA were hunting over a bear bait site on Clear Creek Sunday evening, May 28 when the incident occurred.
Towards dusk, the two men observed a large black bear approaching their bait site. The uncle shot and wounded the animal which ran some distance away. After a short period of time, Jennings approached. The bear charged, knocking Jennings to the ground and both hunter and bear tumbled down a hill. The bear bit Jennings multiple times on the left arm and leg before Jennings dispatched the animal with a handgun.
Jennings was airlifted to St. Alphonsus Hospital where he remains hospitalized.
Following normal protocol after an animal attack, Fish and Game staff interviewed Jennings and his uncle at the hospital. Other staff conducted interviews near the incident site and examined the bear. Tooth wear revealed that the bear – though otherwise healthy – was very old.
Several local residents, a Boise County Deputy and a Boise National Forest Law Enforcement Officer assisted with this effort.
MORE Stories on Bear attacks, and how to survive:
How to survive a bear attack, how to use bear spray and knowing how to tell the difference between a black bear and grizzly bear. Remember your response to a black bear attack and a grizzly bear attack are very different.
