Bear attack survivor shares knowledge

by Jan Manning

The one and only time Brent Hudson went into the woods on bear patrol without a weapon, he was attacked and mauled by a record-size Kodiak bear. He survived. It was nothing short of a miracle, according to countless medical professionals who put him back together.

Hudson, now in his 60s, living in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and retired from his 38-year bear guard profession, spoke at Whitepine Grange, relating his first-hand knowledge of what to do when you encounter a bear in the wild. He delivered his two-hour “Bear Aware” presentation, complete with graphic photos of his injuries, on October 13, just over 23 years since his attack on October 8, 2000, on Kodiak Island.

“I was saved for a reason,” he says. “My obligation now is to help others avoid a similar situation.”

Nearly 50 people turned out to hear the presentation and learn bear safety in the woods.

Hudson spoke primarily about black bears and grizzlies. In his four decades of working as a professional guide and bear safety officer for various corporations, the Marine Corps veteran has studied and interacted with the top bear experts, authors, and wildlife officials in the country. He says government Fish & Wildlife officials grossly underestimate the numbers of bears in our area. According to Hudson, there are close to 1,000 grizzlies in northwestern Montana.

Hudson addressed bear spray and firearms for personal defense, taking time to explain the pros and cons of each, which type of bear spray canister is best, how to use it, and how to shoot a bear if it becomes necessary. When it comes to firearms, he said, “Use the largest caliber you can handle with accuracy. Use a low-power scope at the lowest setting to see as much as you can up close.” Shoot the bear at center mass. Avoid a brain shot because the skulls are so thick that the bullet may not penetrate. Shoot low rather than high, and don’t waste your rounds. Once you have dropped the bear, keep shooting it until you’re positive the bear is dead.

Handguns for personal defense in bear country are less effective than rifles. “Carry a 44 magnum, or the biggest caliber you can safely handle,” he advises.

“Playing dead” around a bear is never advised, Hudson says. If you encounter a bear, do not turn your back on it, run, or make high-pitched noises. Back away from it slowly, keeping the bear in your vision. Speak in a low tone and low pitch. Try to diffuse the situation rather than escalate it. If a bear is stalking you, yell in a low pitch and make yourself look bigger. If all fails, shoot to kill. “In a nutshell,” he says, “ready your defense system, stand your guard, and defend yourself.”

Hudson can be reached by email at [email protected].