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Press Releases

Contact: Edie Smith, Spokesperson Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife 284 State Street 41 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333

Media representatives can receive press releases via e-mail.

Telephone: work (207) 592-4348

Fax: (207) 287-6395

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September 13, 2010

Hunter Charged, Biten by Bear

Augusta, Maine - Ryan Shepard, 37, of Shin Pond suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and leg this morning when a bear charged him while hunting with three friends and their dogs.

Today (Sept. 13) is the first day of bear hunting with dogs season.

The four men were bear hunting with their dogs on a side road off what's called Sherman Lumber Road in T5 R7 at approximately 8 a.m. The bear was held at bay on the ground by the dogs before it charged past them, biting Mr. Shepard in the arm and leg. Mr. Shepard was able to fire at the bear before being bitten, mortally wounding the bear.

The bear is estimated at weighing over 300lbs.

Mr. Shepard was transported to Millinocket Regional Hospital, were he is being treated for non-life threatening injuries. 

"While this is a rare occurrence, hunters are reminded that wild animals are always unpredictable," said Game Warden Kevin Pelkey.

The incident is under investigation. Penobscot County Sheriff's Office, a Maine Forest Service Ranger and others assisted.

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