Nate Peterson’s calm evening at Bryce Woodlands turned into a fight for survival when a black bear appeared with malevolent intent.
At a Glance
- Utah worker Nate Peterson survives bear attack at Bryce Woodlands.
- The 300-pound bear pinned Peterson and bit his arm.
- Peterson threw objects at the bear to fend it off.
- Authorities euthanized the bear post-attack for safety.
The Attack
Nate Peterson, a Utah construction worker, was part of a crew building a cabin in Bryce Woodlands. Their camp was nestled amid the serene backdrop of Utah’s forests, where Peterson experienced an unexpected and dangerous encounter. Between 10:30 and 11 p.m., a 300-pound black bear charged at Peterson while he rested on his cot, pinning him down. The bear bit Peterson’s arm, leading to muscle damage and an eventual hospitalization.
Peterson noted the bear’s persistence, stating, “Crazy bear. I was just sitting there minding my own business, but this son of a bitch just kept chasing us down.” When the bear bit his arm, Peterson screamed, pulling himself into action by throwing objects to scare it off. The bear left after Peterson’s co-worker fired two warning shots, a decisive move that allowed them to survive the night.
Post-Attack Events
Despite past experiences where black bears peacefully retreated upon detecting humans, this event proved dramatically different. Peterson stressed the need for self-defense against aggressive wildlife encounters. Wildlife officials tracked and euthanized the bear, adhering to policies concerning aggressive bears, which was confirmed by Fatih Jolley of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, “The bear, a male, had shown aggressive behavior and injured a person, so per DWR policy, it was euthanized.”
Peterson initially contacted his wife, Anna, who couldn’t believe the severity of the situation, thinking he was initially joking. Peterson’s resilience allowed him to acquire the needed medical attention, including transport to hospitals where he was treated for wounds and infections.
Broader Context and Precautions
The attack near the France Canyon Fire area raised questions about displacement due to environmental conditions. “The bear could have been displaced by the fire, it was only a couple miles away,” said Adam Kavalunas about the possible reasons behind the bear’s unusual aggression. Bear attacks are rare in Utah, with only eight to ten such incidents over several decades.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources has emphasized the importance of carrying bear spray for protection. They advise against attempting to outrun a bear and encourage individuals to fight back, as Peterson did. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the critical role of preparedness and defense.
