A hunter in Georgia was attacked by a pack of loose dogs while relocating his deer stand.
The 61-year-old man sustained serious injuries to his arms, legs, and hands, including a severed ligament, and had 298 puncture wounds after the attack that lasted for 15 minutes.
The man managed to escape and flag down a passing driver who took him to a nearby hospital.
“I started trying to wave cars down. Finally, a family stopped and rolled down their window. I just yelled out: ‘I’ve been attacked by a pack of dogs, and I need medical help,’” Scott B. told Field & Stream. “When I got to the emergency room they said I had 298 puncture wounds and lacerations and needed to be sewn up in seven places.”
During the attack, the man tried to fight off the dogs with a large stick, but he was unable to call for help because he had left his cell phone on his ATV, which was over 150 yards away.
“One of them came in and attacked me. When it did, the other two joined in. They were attacking me from all three sides. It was kind of like wolf-mentality,” he said. “They were in a complete frenzy. I was doing anything I could to fight them off.”
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He managed to escape by climbing up a ladder stand, waiting for the dogs to leave, and then making a run for a nearby highway.
“They were still biting me, but spinning with that stick kept them from teaming up and keeping me stuck in one place,” he recalled. “As I was going up the ladder stand, I told myself that I really needed to hold on tight to the rungs because the dogs are going to be jumping on my backside and trying to pull me down—and if they did, I’d probably never get away.”
The dogs were later caught and put into a cage for a 10-day rabies quarantine, and the hunter filed a police report.
“The sheriff’s deputy and one officer from animal control made a visit to the property that night and had the three dogs that attacked me put into a cage for a 10-day rabies quarantine,” he said. “They were all large attack dogs. Two of them were part pit bull and one was part German shephard.”
Athens Banner-Herald reported that the woman who owned the three dogs was cited for having dangerous animals, and after the mandatory quarantine period, all three dogs were euthanized.
Despite the physical and mental trauma caused by the attack, the man plans to continue hunting with the help of his son and by carrying a sidearm, collapsible steel baton, and bear spray.
“I’m going to start carrying a side arm again, and I already bought a collapsible steel baton and a canister of bear spray,” he said. “When I do go back, it’ll have to be with my son, at least for the first few times.”
This incident highlights the importance of being prepared and vigilant when outdoors.
Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts should always have a means of communication, such as a cell phone, and consider carrying self-defense tools.
It is also essential to be aware of your surroundings, including potential animal threats, and to have a plan in case of an emergency.
With the right preparation and precautions, individuals can safely enjoy their outdoor activities while minimizing the risk of harm.