Fatal Bear Attack in Arizona

by
posted on June 19, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Large Black Bear

A man building a home south of Prescott, Arizona was attacked and killed by a black bear on Friday, June 16. The 66 year old was sitting in a chair on his property, when the bear attacked him unprovoked. Neighbors attempted to intervene, but were unsuccessful.

Eventually, another neighbor shot and killed the animal while it was beginning to eat the man. Unfortunately, the victim was dead upon the arrival of the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The carcass will be examined and tested for disease by AZGFD veterinarian and wildlife health specialist, Dr. Anne Justice-Allen.

There have been 15 bear attacks on people in the state since 1990. This is the second fatal bear attack in Arizona since then, which is as far back as the department’s database tracks. The first fatality occurred in 2011 in Pinetop.

The incident remains under investigation. For more information on bears in the state, visit azgfd.com.

Latest

Henry Provider And Protector
Henry Provider And Protector

First Look: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

Whoever is behind the Henry Repeating Arms wheel these days needs to be given their own set of keys. The boys in Rice Lake have just announced two new product families of lever-action rifles: Protect and Provide.

New for 2026: Upgraded Benelli M2 Field

Used across waterfowl marshes, turkey woods and upland cover, Benelli's M2 pairs dependability with responsive handling—built to perform in demanding environments while remaining light enough for all-day, on-the-move hunting.

First Look: Remington "Don't Tread on Me" Ammo Buckets

In keeping with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Remington has announced the release of its ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ ammo buckets.

Traditions Firearms Outfitter G3 Line Now Includes 400 Legend

Traditions Performance Firearms has added another straight-wall hunting cartridge to its Outfitter G3 lineup in 400 Legend.

New for 2026: Millennium Treestands Deadlok Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod

Millennium Treestands has launched the DeadLock Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod. Engineered for stability and versatility, this tripod provides a platform for hunters, shooters and outdoor photographers.

New For 2026: Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 Riflescope

Trijicon has come back to the rugged AccuPoint for 2026, this time with an 8X zoom range, wide field-of-view and all the robust qualities tho make this one ideally suited for Africa's Dangerous Game species.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.