A black bear charged Robin Westgate, 12, twice in his Bellingham, Washington, backyard on Sept. 13; he defended himself, and his father, Noah, was injured after coming to help. State wildlife officials said both were treated at a local hospital.
Robin said the bear’s claws left puncture marks near his hip. His younger sister heard the commotion and ran for help; Noah said the bear bit his hand as he punched it.
A nearby resident told KIRO 7 he was concerned by what he described as two attacks in a month, while saying wildlife was part of living near nature. The Westgates said the encounter would not deter them from enjoying their home and were grateful the outcome was not worse.
