Bear attacks 10-year-old in grandparent’s backyard

Authorities report that a 250-pound black bear mauled a 10-year-old boy playing in his grandparents’ backyard in Morris, CT, at approximately 11 a.m. on Sunday.

According to a statement from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the boy was transported to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

During an interview with the Republican-American of Waterbury, the boy’s grandfather described the terrifying attack. While his grandson played near the trampoline, the bear emerged from dense woods behind the house.

“When I heard him yell ‘bear,’ I saw his leg in the bear’s mouth and the bear trying to drag him across the lawn,” Butler said.

Taking his wheelchair toward the bear, Butler threw a metal bar at its head; Butler told the reporters.

According to the grandfather, the bear released the boy and grabbed him again, rolling him onto his back with its claws.

A neighbor heard the boy’s screams and came over to scare the bear away by yelling and brandishing a pipe.

When Butler and his grandson were inside the house, the bear returned. Walking up the wheelchair ramp, it peered into the house.

“We thought he was coming through the screen,” Butler said. “No doubt he was a big threat.”

He suffered a puncture wound to one thigh, bite marks on one foot and ankle, and claw marks on his back as a result of the bear attack.

By the mid-1800s, black bears were nearly exterminated or removed according to a report published by the Connecticut environmental department. Despite this, they have been able to make a comeback. In the state, there are approximately 1,000 to 1,200 bears.

According to authorities, the bear has been euthanized.