Two best friends from Idaho, Riley Hill and Braxton Meyers, faced a life-threatening encounter with a 530-pound grizzly bear while hunting in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. As the bear brutally attacked Hill, Meyers shot the bear repeatedly until it was brought down. The hunters shared their harrowing tale of survival in an exclusive interview with EastIdahoNews.com.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, Hill managed to free himself from the bear’s jaws and both hunters were able to escape the attack. Meyers quickly applied first aid to Hill’s wounds and called for help, eventually being airlifted to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Hospital where he received 40 staples and stitches. The Idaho Fish and Game officers determined their actions were justified in self-defense against the grizzly.
The bear, known locally as the “King of the Hill,” had been a problem for ranchers in the area. While the hunters are sad about having to kill the bear, they are grateful to have survived the encounter. Both families express their gratitude for the bravery and quick thinking of the two friends in saving each other’s lives.
Despite the trauma of the attack, Meyers has a wedding planned with his fiancé in October and has asked Hill to be his best man. The bond between these friends has been solidified through their shared experience of facing down death together.
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Photo credit www.eastidahonews.com
