Everhart had planned on spending some quiet time with his sons — Jake, 11, Kyle, 9, and Logan, 6. But their vacation at Low Gap Creek campground was interrupted when a hungry 275-pound female black bear showed up after dinner was served. Everhart's heroism in the 30 seconds that followed thrust the unassuming AT&T technician and former Marine into the national spotlight.The family was roasting marshmallows when their unexpected guest arrived. It was about 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The fish weren't biting that day, but the bears were out. The clanging of pots and pans could be heard for miles as people tried to scare off the animals.
So when the Everharts heard some rustling near their cooler they jumped to their feet. The dad picked up some pots and pans to bang. Everhart's most adventurous boy, Logan, 6, grabbed a large shovel and charged at the animal.
"He was like a knight with a spear," said Jake.
The bear was trying to slip away with the cooler in her teeth.
"Once the bear saw Logan, he dropped the cooler and started coming at Logan," Everhart said. "[The bear] was growling."
Everhart quickly ran to his truck and grabbed the first thing he could get his hands on – a hefty piece of firewood. He said his pistol and his hunting knife were packed away.
He hurled the log and knocked the bear in the head. The hungry heavyweight went down in one blow.
Everhart's boys stood frozen in their tracks as the animal fell. Everhart was later issued a $75 ticket by the U.S. Forest Service for failing to store his food properly "to prevent access by wildlife."
DNR officials said bears generally shy away from people. But because of the extended drought, bears have been more aggressively searching for food.
Link & Image: Ajc
Tags: Man | Kills | Bear | Camping | Firewood
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