The man’s family shared new details about the attack as officials warn residents about increased bear activity in the area
Credit: Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Benjamin Halona, 67, was fatally mauled by a bear inside his New Mexico home on Aug. 20
- His family shared new details about the moments before and after the attack
- Officials are urging residents to take precautions as bear sightings increase
A New Mexico man was fatally mauled by a bear that entered his home last month, according to Navajo authorities.
Benjamin Halona, 67, was attacked at approximately 1 p.m. on Aug. 20 in Crystal, N.M., according to the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Halona had recently become a widower and was dealing with health problems that had significantly limited his mobility. His sister, Gloria Halona, and niece, Samantha Vandever, told The Guardian that he had been using a walker and wheelchair while recovering from a devastating seizure.
“He was a really strong person,” Gloria told The Guardian. “And, even though he didn’t have a lot, he was happy.”
On the day of the attack, Halona was home while his stepson, Casey, went to the post office, Gloria and Samantha told the outlet.
When Casey returned, he found the door ajar and a bear inside the home, his relatives told The Guardian.
Casey immediately locked himself in his room, barricading the door with a dresser and other heavy objects. He then hid in a crawlspace in his closet and called for emergency help using his cellphone, according to his family.
He also allegedly contacted Gloria and Samantha, who drove to the home, they told The Guardian.
When the women arrived, they saw the bear outside the residence. Samantha said she honked the car horn at the animal at her mother’s request, causing it to flee, according to the outlet.
Responding law enforcement officers then shot and wounded the bear, according to the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife. The animal fled into nearby woods before authorities later located and “neutralized” it, the department said.
Credit: Google Maps
But by then, Halona had been fatally injured.
The family went inside the home and encountered what Samantha described as a “horrific scene,” according to The Guardian.
Halona died from injuries sustained in the attack, the department said.
“It was a lot for us,” Samantha told The guardian.
The Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife both expressed condolences to Halona’s family following his death.
Halona is survived by two siblings, four children, five stepchildren, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, according to his family.
“He endured a lot in his life – especially during his death,” Vandever told The Guardian. “And we’re all heartbroken that this had to happen to him.”
Halona’s funeral services were held Aug. 29, according to his family, who said they have found support in one another as well as in the community’s response to his death.
The fatal attack occurred as the Navajo Nation was seeing an increase in bear sightings.
On Aug. 25, the Navajo Police Department said drought and low moisture had resulted in less natural food for bears, causing them to travel farther and take greater risks while searching for food and preparing for hibernation.
“Food is the cause of most human-bear conflicts,” the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife said in an Aug. 24 public statement.
The department said residents living in or near bear country can help reduce conflicts by securing household garbage and livestock feed, bringing pet food indoors, cleaning grills after use and removing other potential food attractants.
Officials also advised residents to keep doors and windows closed and homesites and campsites clean.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
If someone encounters a black bear, the department advises against running. Instead, people should face the bear and slowly back away, giving it a clear route to leave.
If a bear approaches, officials recommend standing your ground, making yourself look large and making loud noises. Children should be kept close and dogs leashed, the department said.
For a black bear attack, the department advises people to fight back using anything available and not play dead.
“The NPD urges the public to stay away from potentially dangerous wildlife,” the Navajo Police Department said. “If a bear is spotted, please call your nearest NPD District.”
Read the full article here
