TRAIL, Ore. (AP) — Two southern Oregon deer hunters who shot a bear got a violent surprise when the wounded bear roused itself and attacked one of them.
Jackson County sheriff's spokeswoman Andrea Carlson says the injured animal grabbed 22-year-old Alex Machavo of Medford in a "bear hug" Thursday and the two rolled down a 50-foot embankment with the bear biting Machavo all the way.
Carlson says a second hunter identified as 24-year-old Nathan Shinn of Phoenix was eventually able to shoot the bear in the head, killing it.
Shinn left to call 911. A sheriff's officer found Machavo walking down a spur road and arranged to transport him to a Medford hospital. The man's condition was not immediately available Thursday night but Carlson says his injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
Shinn was unhurt.
The spokeswoman says the hunters had a tag that allowed them to shoot the bear legally.
She says deputies plan to return to the area Friday and check the bear "to make sure it's truly dead."
