Hunter killed by falling bear raises questions on hunting risks
Hunting carries many dangers, from attacks by wild animals to a stray shot from a less experienced companion. Despite these risks, hunters often claim that trips to the forest with firearms are their favourite hobby and a chance to relax. However, this view is not shared by the hunter who was killed by a bear in the United States in a highly unusual incident.
Hunting has been considered a tradition and a way to control animal populations for centuries, but it also involves significant risks. Firearm accidents, accidental shootings, and hazards related to navigating difficult terrain are just a few. Additionally, there are ethical and ecological issues—excessive hunting can disrupt the ecosystem balance, and the pressure for trophies leads to the extinction of rare species. In a world of increasing discussion about responsibility towards nature, it is worth considering whether the risks associated with hunting are worth the costs incurred.
American hunter killed by a bear
It was intended to be a typical bear hunt. On December 9th in Lunenburg County, Virginia, USA, a group of hunters went into the woods to collect trophies and pelts. One of the men managed to fatally shoot the bear, which had sought refuge at the top of a tree. Unfortunately, the hunters hadn't considered that the bear would fall from a significant height and land directly on one of them. The massive animal severely injured the hunter, who was rushed to the hospital, but after several days of fighting for his life, he passed away. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources confirmed this incident.
The victim's accident was confirmed by his son, Josh Harvey. He posted on Facebook while the injured hunter was in the hospital fighting for his life: "If you know my dad, you know he's a hard-working, kind, and caring person. A person who never missed a day of work. A person who would give you the shirt off his back. A man who loves the outdoors and would never miss a good hunting opportunity. Dad was doing what he loved most - bear hunting with me and some of his good friends when he was seriously injured. We have a long road ahead. A road full of medical bills, time away from work, and a hard fight. Monty Powell, David W. Rutledge, Jeff Harvey, Bradyn Montgomery, Chad Pillow - I just wanted to say that you guys have been like a rock to me since the hunting accident. I love you guys. And thank you for the prayers; please keep praying. I hope everything will be okay. Dad is a tough guy, that's for sure. He's in God's hands, and we're grateful for everything."
Josh Harvey did not lose hope that his father would recover: "It will be a long road, but I hope that someday I'll get my best friend back. I love you, Dad. I also want to send enormous thanks to the doctor who was with us on the hunt, and to Spot Woods and Kayla Waldrup for quickly getting back to the truck to call an ambulance. I love you, man. You can make it, Dad, fight like a champion!".
