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A Boy's Brave Act: 12-Year-Old's Quick Thinking Saves Father from Bear Attack

A Boy's Brave Act: 12-Year-Old's Quick Thinking Saves Father from Bear Attack
Friday 20 September 2024 - 12:08
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In a heart-stopping turn of events, a 12-year-old boy from Wisconsin, Owen Beierman, demonstrated remarkable presence of mind and bravery when he fatally shot a black bear that was attacking his father, Ryan Beierman, during a hunting trip.

The incident, which occurred on September 6th in Siren, Burnett County, has left wildlife officials and the Beierman family in awe of Owen's quick thinking and composure under pressure. As the bear pinned down his father, Owen took aim and fired, successfully stopping the attack and saving his father's life.

Ryan Beierman, 43, praised his son's actions, calling him a hero. "He shot that bear and killed it right on top of me," Ryan told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. "I'm incredibly proud of him and grateful for his quick reaction."

The Beiermans were on a legal hunting trip near their family cabin when they encountered the 200-pound black bear. Owen initially injured the animal with a shot, but it fled into the dense forest. As they pursued the bear, it suddenly charged at Ryan from a close distance, leaving him with no time to react.

Ryan described the intense moment, saying, "I fired my pistol, but I missed. The bear bit me, and I felt like I was hitting a brick wall when I tried to fight back. Then, I saw the flash of Owen's rifle, and I knew he had it under control."

The bear's attack left Ryan with injuries to his abdomen, arm, and leg, requiring stitches and treatment for puncture wounds. Despite the trauma, Ryan expressed his relief and gratitude for his son's actions, which undoubtedly saved his life.

Bear attacks are extremely rare, with only nine such incidents reported in Wisconsin between 2013 and 2022, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This makes Owen's bravery and skill all the more remarkable, as he acted swiftly and accurately in a life-threatening situation.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of outdoor safety and the potential for unexpected heroism. Owen's actions have not only saved his father's life but have also left a lasting impact on his family and the local community, inspiring awe and gratitude.