GRAPHIC: 15-year-old boy attacked by bear that got in family’s cabin

ALPINE, Ariz. (AZ Family/Gray News) - The mother of a 15-year-old boy says she’s grateful her son is still alive after he was attacked by a bear that got inside his family’s cabin in Arizona.

Brigham Hawkins, 15, was watching YouTube on Thursday night at his family’s cabin in Alpine when a black bear came through the open door and swiped at him from behind, according to his mother, Carol Hawkins.

Hawkins says the family has been going to the cabin for years, Arizona’s Family reports.

“Never in our wildest dreams did we think (a bear) would come in the home,” Hawkins said.

She says Brigham, who was alone in the cabin, didn’t realize the bear had come in until it swiped at his face twice.

“He hadn’t realized it because it came in from behind, and it reached over and swiped at his face twice. Got him on the nose and the cheek, and then, it went ahead and got his forehead and the top of his head,” Carol said.

Brigham can’t move quickly because he has a rare neurological disorder. After the bear initially left the cabin, it came back and started attacking the teenager on the arm, as well.

His older brother, Parker, heard him screaming, ran over to the cabin and helped chase the bear away, along with Brigham’s father.

“It was thanks to that quick reaction by his brother and his family that they were able to distract the bear from what very easily in a matter of seconds could have turned into a real tragedy there,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Law Enforcement Supervisor Shawn Wagner.

Brigham was taken to the hospital with injuries to his face and arm. He has started the rabies vaccine as a precaution but is expected to recover.

“Everybody that came in to help him, he had a big thank you. So, he’s handling it well, and he’ll be OK,” his mother said.

She adds that the attack will not stop the family from returning to their cabin sometime in the near future.

Law enforcement killed the 3-year-old bear about 120 feet away from the cabin, according to Wagner, and its body was taken to the state health lab for examination and to test for rabies.

“Having an attack is actually extremely rare,” Wagner said.

This marks the 16th bear attack on people in Arizona since 1990. Of those attacks, two were deadly.

Game and Fish reminds people who visit or live in bear-inhabited parts of the state to be aware of their surroundings. The state agency advises hiking in groups, making noise and avoiding scented lotions, deodorants or perfume. Pets should be kept on a leash.

The agency also advises securing food and other “attractants” and avoiding leaving food in a tent or grill. Campsites should be set up away from places bears might forage for food, such as bodies of water.

If you encounter a bear, officials say you should not run. Instead, back away slowly while keeping eye contact with the bear. Make yourself appear bigger by flaunting your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket higher than your head. Officials say to throw items, yell at the bear and fight back, if attacked.