Man who survived grizzly bear attack 'heard teeth bite skull' in horror mauling

27 August 2023 , 08:04

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Cummings attacked the bear as it pinned him up against the tree (Image: ABC)

Two college wrestlers survived a grizzly bear attack by fighting back as one heard his bones crunch under the animal’s teeth.

Kendall Cummings and Brady Lowry were searching Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming for fallen antlers when they were ambushed by a bear, with neither seeing it approach.

The grizzly bear pounced on Lowry first after he shouted out to his fellow athletes. Cummings then attacked the bear as it pinned him up against the tree, before the bear made a false exit only to return for a second strike on the group from Northwest College.

Lowry said: "Just for all four of us to be walking out of there alive is a miracle. I knew I had to protect my head … it was life or death."

He received 60 staples to the head after the attack (ABC)

Cummings said: "I could hear when his teeth would hit my skull, I could feel when he’d bite down on my bones and they’d kind of crunch. I grabbed and yanked it hard by the ear. I was putting my hands in its mouth so it wouldn't be chewing on my neck."

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Cummings said after he managed to pull the bear off his friend, it reared and charged at him. He was knocked to the ground and mauled by the bear.

Lowry said it was a miracle they all got out alive (Getty Images)

When the grizzly ceased its attack on Cummings he called out to his friend to see if he was alright, and the bear circled back around to him. He tried to fight back but was overpowered but the bear eventually got off him and left, and he remained silent for several minutes.

Cummings had to receive 60 staples in the head, plastic surgery due to major lacerations on his face legs and back as well as a broken arm. The wrestler said he felt no pain during their brawl due to the adrenaline rushing through his body. Speaking from hospital, Lowry said he owed his life to his friend’s heroic efforts.

Bear attacks are more likely this time of year (Getty Images)

He added: "I can’t even express how grateful I am for him. I owe him everything."

The group said that growing up wrestling, felt like a brotherhood. The Wyoming Game and fish department confirmed in a statement that the bear appeared at close range in heavy cover and attacked Lowry in a sudden, surprise encounter.

It said there had been an abundance of bear activity around the Shoshone, Clarks Fork and Greybull rivers. It encouraged recreational hunters and hikers in the area to use caution and be bear aware.

Dan Smith, Wildlife supervisor said: "This is a sad and unfortunate situation, we wish both victims a full and speedy recovery. Game and Fish will continue to monitor bear activity in the area and work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to make management decisions in the best interest of public safety."

Emilia Randall