12-Year-Old Boy Fights Off Black Bear in Washington Backyard

A 12-year-old boy in Bellingham, Washington, fought off a charging mother black bear in his backyard, an encounter he described as a matter of survival. Robin Westgate was retrieving a bowl from his family's fruit orchard on Sunday evening when he came face-to-face with the bear, which was protecting her cub.

"It was fight or die," Westgate told KING. "I didn’t really have an option. [The bear] bit onto my wrist, and I slammed my hand and thumb into her eye."

Initially startled, Westgate recalled the bear charging him twice, inflicting puncture wounds on his hip. After he gouged the bear's eyes, the animal retreated. However, the bear then turned its attention to Westgate's father, Noah.

The elder Westgate intervened, describing it as a "code red" situation. He punched the bear, and it fled. "She crunches into my hand right at the moment that I land the hardest punch of my life," Noah Westgate recounted.

Black bears are a common sight in the Westgate family's neighborhood, which is near the Canadian border. Robin Westgate had previously been taught how to react in such situations. Despite the traumatic experience, Robin stated, "The only thing that changed is now I know I can trust myself."

His sister, Riverley, heard his cries for help and was relieved that her brother's injuries were not more severe.

Wildlife officials have been alerted and have set a trap for the bear, which has been spotted in the area. The Westgate family plans to carry bear spray in their yard for future safety.

While bear attacks in Washington are rare, occurring less than once a year on average, increasing human encroachment into bear habitats has led to more frequent encounters, particularly as bears prepare for winter hibernation.