Indiana man helps first Kentucky bear attack victim

Posted by Brent on 6/30/10 • Categorized as Fish/Hunt

Photo taken by hiker Tim Scott before he was attacked

A Fowler, Indiana, man was in the right place at the right time when he helped defend another hiker who was the victim of Kentucky’s first bear attack in modern times.

Anthony Gobel of Fowler was hiking in the Red River Gorge Geological Area on Sunday, June 27 when he witnessed a bear attack Springfield, Kentucky resident Tim Scott. Scott, 56, was being shaken by the bear when Gobel and other hikers threw a backpack at the bear then got between it and it’s intended victim. According to statements, the bear continued to follow the group as they assisted Scott out of the Pinch-em Tight trail to reach medical assistance.
Scott told the Lexington Herald-Leader that he had been hiking in the gorge since childhood and it was the first time he had seen a bear. The bear was reported to have two red ear tags, indicating it had previously been captured by the forest service.

Scott ended up in the hospital with 50-60 stitches for wounds on his legs though he doesn’t plan on stopping hiking in the National Forest after he heals. A large area of Daniel Boone National Forest is currently closed as rangers attempt to find and capture the bear.

The attack was described as the first bear attack in Kentucky in modern times. The Red River Gorge Geological Area is located approximate 60 miles east of Lexington.

Story Links:

Associated Press story

Interview with victim from Lexington Herald-Leader

Interview with rescuer from Lafayette Journal-Courier

Release from Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

Red River Gorge Geological Area