Man spooked by bear accidentally kills brother, then takes his own life

An Oregon man attempting to fend off a bear mistakenly killed his brother.
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An Oregon man attempting to fend off a bear mistakenly gunned down his brother – after which took his personal life, authorities mentioned.

A person in rural Sunny Valley referred to as 911 early Tuesday to report he had “by chance shot his brother” whereas loading a gun after recognizing a bear on their property, in keeping with the Josephine County Sheriff’s Workplace.

Responding deputies then discovered a person lifeless from an obvious gunshot wound, Undersheriff Travis Snyder mentioned.

“Whereas checking the remainder of the residence, a second deceased male was positioned with what gave the impression to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” Snyder mentioned in a press release.

Deputies imagine the 911 caller took his personal life after reporting the unintended capturing. The incident stays beneath investigation, sheriff officers mentioned Wednesday.

Neither man was publicly recognized. A message searching for remark from the Josephine County Sheriff’s Workplace was not instantly returned early Thursday.

Whereas Oregon is named “black bear nation,” assaults are nonetheless comparatively “unusual,” in keeping with native wildlife officers. The state is house as many as 30,000 black bears.

“Usually, a bear will keep away from human contact,” in keeping with a brochure from the Oregon Division of Fish and Wildlife. “It's by no means protected to strategy a bear.”

A number of folks responded to the sheriff division’s Fb assertion on the incident whereas sending their prayers to kin of the 2 males.

“Oh gosh that is heartbreaking,” one girl replied.