Bear mauls Tucson man
By Dale Hajek
April 29, 2001 16:10:00
A black bear attacked a Tucson camper in Gardner Canyon early Sunday, biting his head, neck and back in what authorities say is the first reported mauling by a bear since the mid-1990s.
The camper, Cody Fickett, 23, was in satisfactory condition at Tucson Medical Center following the 3 a.m. attack.
Fickett and his brother, Jason, were camping on the ground at the campsite north of Sonoita when the black bear started biting, said Rory Aikens, Arizona Game and Fish Department spokesman.
Jason Fickett was able to force the bear to back off by striking it and kicking it, Aikens said. The bear then wandered off.
Jason then drove Cody to the town of Sonoita, where he was transported by a Life Net helicopter to Tucson Medical Center.
Aiken said Cody Fickett suffered bites to his head, neck and back, and possibly suffered a spinal injury.
Cody Fickett, 23, still was treated in the emergency room Sunday afternoon, and nursing supervisor Cheri Schnepp would not release any details about Fickett's injuries at the request of family members.
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