Hunter accidentally shoots himself while trying to fight off grizzly bear in Wyoming, officials say

A hunter in Wyoming was attacked by a bear and accidentally shot himself while trying to get the animal away, authorities said.

Lee Francis, 65, was hunting with his 40-year-old son in the Rock Creek area along the Sawtooth mountains in western Wyoming Friday when a grizzly bear attacked him, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. During the attack, Francis was able to retrieve his handgun and fire several rounds, getting the bear to flee. However, authorities said one of the shots hit Francis in his lower leg. 

Francis’ son was able to call emergency services using a satellite phone while administering first aid care to his father. With night approaching, Francis’ son was able to get him on a horse and take them to a nearby lake to meet with search and rescue volunteers, authorities said. 

Further aid was given to Francis, who was then taken to a life flight helicopter and flown to University of Utah Hospital for further treatment. Wyoming Game and Fish were notified of the incident and are conducting an investigation into the attack. 

Sgt. Travis Bingham with the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office told USA TODAY Monday wildlife officials are still trying to locate the bear, and there are no updates on Francis’ condition. 

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Francis’ attack comes just days after another grizzly bear attacked two college students in the state. On Oct. 15, Northwest College wrestlers Kendell Cummings and Brady Lowry were searching for antlers from deer and elk in Shoshone National Forest when they had a “surprise encounter” with the bear.