It could probably be used as an argument that the responsible use of guns can actually save lives, especially when emergency situations call for it, even when a mature child is involved. Quick action from an 11-year-old boy saved him and his family from a bear attack in Alaska.
State troopers said that Elliot Clark was walking through the woods with three family members and three dogs when the bear just emerged and charged at them, running through two of Clark’s companions, and pushing them to the side of the trail, leaving only Elliot and his cousin standing on the animal’s path.
Elliot was third in line. His uncle had a rifle slung on his shoulders, but did not have time to take it off when the bear quickly charged at them. The boy’s quick decision and moves allowed him to raise the pump action shotgun he was holding while walking and shot the bear with birdshot.
The first shot accomplished nothing, but the follow-up two shots downed the bear, while the finishing shots of the boy and his uncle killed the animal.
Elliot’s dad, Lucas said: “That first shot hit him in the shoulder and did absolutely nothing. The next shot hit him in the nose and traveled down through the neck.”
Lucas said that not getting around to putting a sling on his son’s gun might have saved their lives, as Elliot was able to make the quick shots, unlike his uncle. The bear came so close to his uncle that he didn’t have time to get off his gun on time to tackle the bear.
Alaska state trooper spokeswoman said the incident also happens to be the first defense of life or property killing in the Hoonah area this year.
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