Two Wyoming boys are lucky to be alive after sustaining serious injuries during a grizzly bear attack
Brady Lowry and Kendall Cummings were brutally attacked by a grizzly bear on a recent horn hunting trip outside of Cody, Wyoming. Lowry was the first to be mauled, but Cummings bravely tried to pull the bear off of his friend. Both boys were seriously injured in the attack that required multiple surgeries.
Brian Erickson, the athletic director of the boys school, said the boys were seriously injured but were expected to live.
“Erickson said the incident happened while Cummings, Lowry and two other members of the wrestling team were horn hunting in the South Fork outside Cody. He said the foursome had traveled from the school in Powell after a practice.
As the four were hiking down the mountain, Erickson said the group became separated. Without warning, a grizzly jumped out and started attacking Cummings and Lowry.
Erickson said the bear went after Lowry first. That’s when Cummings rushed in and tried to pull the bear off of him. At that point, the bear started attacking Cummings.
Erickson said the attack likely happened in the late afternoon or early evening Saturday, and he received a call about it around 7:30 p.m.
Multiple people reported on social media seeing Park County Search and Rescue and other emergency staff responding to the incident.
Erickson said all four of the college athletes had bear spray with them, but the bear attacked before the pair could deploy their bear spray.”
As reported by CowboyStateDaily
After the boys were able to recount their story, they discussed the terrifying ordeal.
Their biggest piece of advice is to simply turn around an leave if you even think a bear is around.
“If you’re seeing bear tracks, bear tracks on the ground, probably turn around and walk the other way,” Lowry said.
“I can’t even express how grateful I am for him,” Lowry said. “I don’t know what I’m going to pay him back, I don’t. I owe him everything.”
The quick thinking and bravery of Cummings likely saved Lowry’s life. This story is a reminder to always be aware of your surroundings and to have a plan in place in case of an unexpected encounter with a wild animal.
Grizzly bear attacks are rare, but they do happen. It is important for hikers and campers to take precautions when venturing into bear country. This includes carrying bear spray, making noise to alert bears of your presence, and avoiding attracting bears with food.
Fortunately, both boys are expected to make a full recovery from their injuries. Always be aware and stay safe out in nature.