12-Year-Old Hero: Young Hunter Saves Father from Bear Attack in Wisconsin

In a dramatic turn of events that underscores both the risks of hunting and the instinct to protect loved ones, a Wisconsin family is counting their blessings after a near-fatal bear encounter. Ryan Beierman, 43, and his 12-year-old son Owen transformed from hunters to survivors after a black bear attacked Ryan near their cabin in western Wisconsin.

The incident, which took place on September 6, was not just a close call but a testament to courage and quick action under life-threatening stress. Ryan, having trailed an injured bear, was suddenly the one in danger when the animal charged at him under an oak tree. Engaged in a brutal struggle for survival, Ryan recalled the intensity of the encounter with Minneapolis Star Tribune, stating that "the bear was fighting for its life, and I was fighting for mine."

What the father couldn't have anticipated was the role his young son would play in this chilling narrative. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Owen used his hunting rifle to fatally shoot the bear as it mauled his father. The 200-pound animal, which was literally on top of Ryan, was stopped in its tracks by the single, life-saving bullet. This moment of bravery undoubtedly changed the course of events.

Ryan did not emerge unscathed. He suffered a significant gash on his face as well as other injuries requiring stitches. But thanks to local neighbors and medical professionals, Ryan received the needed care after being taken to a nearby hospital.

This incident has not only stirred emotions within the Beierman family but prompted Ryan to reconsider his future in bear hunting, a decision his wife Ali will certainly have input on. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources verified the legitimacy of the father-son hunting trip, deeming it legal. In reflecting on that perilous day, it’s clear that Owen's heroic actions were pivotal in preventing a family tragedy.

Community members are hailing Owen's bravery, while Ryan views his son not only with pride but as a hero who rose to the challenge when it mattered most. The bear encounter stands as a raw episode of wilderness reality, blending the horror of the wild with a human story of survival and the formidable bond between father and son.