A Wisconsin father is counting his blessings after surviving a life-threatening encounter with a black bear while hunting on September 6.
Ryan Beierman, 43, along with his 12-year-old son, Owen, shared their harrowing experience with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, detailing a terrifying bear attack that could have ended in tragedy.
The ordeal began when Beierman was tracking an injured black bear near his cabin, located in the remote wilderness of western Wisconsin. He had ventured out into the woods with his son, never expecting the peril that awaited them.
As Beierman recounted, he had been following the bear’s trail and eventually found it in a small clearing beneath an oak tree. The sight of the bear instantly sent chills down his spine.
“It was like looking at a cat preparing to pounce,” Beierman told the Star Tribune. "The next thing I knew, it was on me. The bear charged straight at me and knocked me to the ground."
The 200-pound bear didn’t give him time to react. The attack was so sudden and ferocious that Beierman could hardly remember how long the struggle lasted. "It all happened in a blur. The bear was fighting for its life, and I was fighting for mine," he explained.
The situation could have easily turned fatal if not for the quick thinking and bravery of his young son, Owen. As the bear pinned Beierman to the ground, Owen grabbed his hunting rifle and made a life-saving decision.
“I was flat on my back, feeling the bear's weight on top of me when I suddenly felt the bullet go through the bear,” Beierman said. “Owen was the hero. He shot and killed that bear while it was on top of me.”
Owen’s quick response saved his father's life, but the attack still left Beierman with severe injuries. The Star Tribune reported that Beierman suffered a large gash on his face, in addition to multiple cuts and puncture wounds on his forehead, right arm, and leg. His injuries were extensive, requiring immediate medical attention.
Neighbors from nearby cabins rushed to help the injured father, eventually transporting him to the nearest hospital. On the way, an ambulance intercepted their vehicle, and Beierman received emergency medical care. In total, he needed 23 stitches to close the deep wound on his cheek, as well as additional stitches on his right arm.
The emotional toll on both father and son was profound, although Beierman couldn’t help but express his pride in how Owen handled the terrifying situation. “I was so proud of him,” Beierman said. “He kept calm and did what needed to be done. But after everything was over, I could see how shaken he was.”
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources later confirmed that the bear hunt was legal, acknowledging the incredible story of survival. The father-son duo had gone out for what they thought would be a routine hunt, but they came back with a story that would leave lasting scars—both physical and emotional.
Reflecting on the traumatic experience, Beierman admitted that it may be time to hang up his hunting gear for good. He revealed that he had already spoken to his wife, Ali, about giving up bear hunting. “When we got back home to River Falls, I told her, ‘I’m done bear hunting,’” Beierman shared with the Star Tribune. "Now, I’m not so sure, but I know she’ll have something to say about it. It was a wild ride, to say the least. One hell of a night.”
For now, the Beiermans are simply grateful to be alive, cherishing the bond that grew even stronger through this life-threatening ordeal. The traumatic encounter highlights the unpredictability of nature and the incredible courage shown by a 12-year-old boy who saved his father's life.
This real-life event serves as a reminder that hunting, while a common outdoor activity in many parts of the U.S., can be fraught with unexpected dangers. The black bear is native to Wisconsin, and encounters with these powerful animals can turn dangerous, especially when the animal feels threatened or injured. Wildlife experts often emphasize the importance of being prepared and maintaining caution in bear territory.
Black bears, despite their generally reclusive nature, can become aggressive when provoked or injured. The bear Beierman was tracking may have already been in a vulnerable state, making it more likely to attack when approached. According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, it is essential for hunters to follow safety protocols and be well-equipped when entering areas known to be populated by bears or other large predators.
In this case, Beierman was lucky to have his son nearby. Experts often recommend carrying bear spray or noise-making devices to deter bear attacks, and having an extra set of eyes and hands in the form of a hunting partner can make all the difference in a crisis.
For the Beierman family, this story will undoubtedly become a tale passed down through generations—a vivid reminder of both the dangers of hunting and the strength of familial bonds. Owen’s bravery under extreme pressure saved his father's life, and their shared experience is a testament to how quick thinking and calmness in the face of danger can avert disaster.
For hunters in Wisconsin and other bear-populated regions, this story serves as a powerful cautionary tale, underscoring the importance of preparation, awareness, and respect for the animals that roam the wild.