Shin Pond hunter attacked by bear

    Monday’s first day of bear hunting season with dogs was marred when Ryan Shepard, 37, of Shin Pond was attacked.
    A bear estimated to be over 300 pounds charged Shepard, who suffered non-life-threatening injuries to his arm and leg. He was transported to Millinocket Regional Hospital.
    Shepard was hunting with three others and their dogs on a side road, Sherman Lumber Road, in Township 5, Range 7 around 8 a.m.
    “The bear was held at bay on the ground by the dogs before it charged past them, biting Mr. Shepard in the arm and leg,” said Deborah Turcotte, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife spokeswoman. “Mr. Shepard was able to fire at the bear before being bitten, mortally wounding the bear.”
    The incident is under investigation.
    The Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office, a Maine Forest Service Ranger and others assisted at the scene.
    “While this is a rare occurrence, hunters are reminded that wild animals are always unpredictable,” said Game Warden Kevin Pelkey.