A harrowing incident unfolded near a hunting cabin in the dense woods of western Wisconsin, when a 12-year-old boy bravely shot and killed a wounded black bear that was mauling his father. The heroic act took place on September 6, near the town of Siren, about 90 miles northeast of Minneapolis.

Ryan Beierman, 43, recounted the terrifying ordeal to the Minnesota Star Tribune, describing how he found himself pinned beneath the 200-pound bear. In a courageous move, his son Owen aimed his hunting rifle and fired a single shot, hitting the bear and successfully ending the attack.

Beierman expressed deep gratitude towards his son, stating, "Owen was a hero. He shot that bear and killed it on top of me." The father sustained multiple injuries during the altercation, including bites to his forehead, arm, and leg. He required 23 stitches to his cheek, along with seven puncture wounds and a cut on his arm.

Earlier that day, Ryan and Owen had spotted the bear from a nearby tree stand. Owen took a shot at the animal, which wounded it and caused it to flee. After waiting for approximately 20 minutes, they began searching for the bear and enlisted the help of a neighbor's tracking dog.

Trapped in a dense thicket, Beierman suddenly came face-to-face with the charging bear, which was a mere six feet away. Despite firing eight shots from his pistol, Beierman failed to hit the bear. In a desperate struggle to defend himself, he resorted to pistol-whipping the bear with no avail.

The intensity of the attack escalated when the bear lunged at Beierman's head, prompting him to raise his right arm in defense. It was at this critical moment that Owen fired a shot from his rifle, providing his father with a much-needed respite from the relentless assault.

With the bear momentarily stunned, Beierman managed to push it off him. The entire ordeal lasted approximately 45 seconds, during which Beierman fought fiercely to protect his life.

A concerned neighbor quickly arrived at the scene and began transporting Beierman and Owen to a nearby hospital. They were met by an ambulance, which ensured their safe journey for medical treatment. Beierman's injuries were severe, requiring extensive stitching for the wound on his cheek, along with seven puncture wounds and a cut on his arm.

A conservation officer from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources confirmed that the hunt was legal, further validating the actions taken by Beierman and his young son during the terrifying encounter.

This gripping incident illustrates both the dangers and valor involved in hunting in the wilderness. Ryan Beierman's survival is a testament to his son's bravery and quick thinking under extreme circumstances, reminding us all of the importance of preparation and caution when engaging in such activities.