Elora Petrasek Was Killed By This Black Bear After Her Mother & Brother Mauled

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Welcome back to Scary Bear Attacks! Today’s episode whisks us away to another waterfall, but this time it isn’t Liard Hot Spring, though it has similar foreboding undertones. We are going to the Cherokee National Forest, which covers roughly one thousand square miles, in Eastern Tennessee about twenty two miles east of a town called Cleveland. In the Chilhowee Recreation area there is a beautiful, tumbling waterfall called Benton Falls, that draws visitors the one point five miles up its steep trail. Its water cascades down a formation of rock that look eerily like stairs, almost as if they were designed by a craftsman. In this area, in the last few weeks, forty two bear sightings have been documented.
The state of Tennessee is its own little patch of wild in the middle of a nation of modern. In the Western part of the state, the Mississippi River Valley slopes up toward the Cumberland Plateau which breaks up into the Smoky Mountain Foothills to the east. There are at least fifty different large tree species in this state, and they include Maple, Hickory, Ash, Oak and Pine trees. The smaller trees here include Serviceberry, Paw Paw, Alder and several species of Sumac. The list of berry bushes is too long to list here. The animals here include elk, whitetail deer and wild hogs. The predominant predators of this area include fox, coyotes, bobcats, cougars and black bears.
On Thursday, April thirteenth, two thousand and six, at around four PM, forty five year old mother, Susan Cenkus was enjoying a planned trip to the above indicated location as a side track from visiting her son, Christopher who attended Lee University in Cleveland. Susan was an alumni from Lee University and she immensely enjoyed camping, hiking and being in the woods nearby. The university and the area around it was a home to many fond memories for her. She never once saw a bear while she was there. Susan’s thirty seven year old husband, Robert Petrasek had to work, so he stayed behind and didn’t go on the trip with his family.
She brought her children, six year old Elora Petrasek and her two year old brother, Lucas Cenkus to Lake McCamy near Benton Waterfall for relaxing family time together. A few weeks before departing for this trip, Elora told her mother that she may go to heaven before her mother. Susan thought of this as an imaginative thought from an energetic child's mind. Susan told Elora that she was sure she would live many more years than her mommy, but we never know when it is our time to go to heaven, and that angels would be with her. Every night, Susan snuggled her little girl and prayed before tucking her in. Elora’s name means “God is my light”. She loved to wear skirts and dresses, especially the pink ones. She loved nature and animals, especially butterflies and even got upset if her mom tried to swat flies. She often pretended to be a veterinarian, motivated by the thought of caring for and saving injured animals.
As they played in the lake, Susan regaled the children with descriptions of Benton Waterfall, a short hike up the trail. She described its beauty and Elora begged to see it. Susan agreed and Elora disappeared dashing along the trail eager to see the waterfall. They expected to be surrounded by the embracing greenery and lulled by the sounds of the waterfall, but what they didn’t count on was that in nature, there are many unexpected scenarios which are denuded of sentimentality and mercy.
Along the trail there were several children playing alongside Susan's children, as it is an easy location to bring smaller children to. One of the visiting families was walking down the trail and away from the pond, when a giant black bear suddenly appeared from the brush along the trail. They backed slowly down the trail and sounded the alarm of the bear's presence to the rest of the people there. Susan glanced up the hill and could see the bear around one hundred feet away. She yelled out to her kids to come to her as it was time to go. As she gathered her children the three hundred fifty to four hundred pound black bear quickly ran through the brush, to their location. It had hidden back in the bushes along the trail and parallel the trail to appear alongside the family in an ambush of its prey.
A few of the adults present recognized the danger the bear posed to the group and began yelling and shouting in an attempt to drive the bear off. As the bear approached the group, children and adults began to panic and run in every direction, like a covey of quail flushed from brush.
As two year old Lucas was a little less scared than the rest, he made an easy target for the massive black bear. It quickly scaled a fence and opened its jaws and bit onto his head, driving its canine teeth through his skull.

[@scarybearattacks]

My apologies for the comments being disabled at the time I published. I had several of my settings incorrectly set somehow, even though I copied them from prior videos on this channel. Not saying YT did it, just saying...

[@catsymurphyandrews1769]

I wondered abt that, thanks.

[@erikak8187]

I live in maryland and there was 2 bears in my area. They were not euthanized. They were relocated

[@scarybearattacks]

@@erikak8187 It is amazing to see how quickly and broadly the "bear location map" is growing. Black bears THRIVE right on the outskirts of every large city back east, including NEW YORK CITY! Gov't officials behave the typical reactive, as opposed to proactive, way to the issue. If they don't introduce hazing and 2 hunting seasons each year for bears, they will be overrun, putting people in dangerous and vulnerable positions, while in their own drive ways! Seriously

[@MM22272]

No problem. It's still always good.

[@pavlidesgeorge848]

NOT NECESSARILY SO A GUN IS NOT GERENTED TO HAVE SAVED HIS LIFE AS ANIMALS MOVE LIKE LITNING PEOPLE HAVE NO BUSINESS BEING NEAR BEARS BUILDING IN WOODS THAT ALL WAYS IGNIT GOING HIKING ON ROLLERCOASTERS ,DRIVING IN RUSH TO GO NO WERE

[@lynngroll1]

That poor sweet little girl 😞 she died alone Why do they keep saying it’s rare to be attacked by these predators!? People let their guard down when they should have protection on them!!!

[@evelynwaugh4053]

I think that wildlife populations have rebounded to such an extent that it really isn't rare anymore. 40 years ago it probably was rare. Things change.

[@chadrowe8452]

Everyone dies alone even when surrounded by people. Even the bear dies alone. You make that journey by yourself.

[@russelneilv1361]

It should be drilled into people that it is not safe... Bear spray is the mininium people should carry and more than one person be equipped..

[@arianebolt1575]

Black bears do their thing in fairly populated areas all the time. Lethal attacks are relatively rare. Most of the time, including this one, the bear is simply hungry.

[@ganymeade5151]

Park officials are probably concerned about money from tourism. It is frightening to realize that bears are not far from suburbs; occasionally in suburbs; and always in the wilderness. If bears are not hungry or angry, then they probably won't attack. However, bears are unpredictable and can attack at any time.

[@WillDiggs]

It's extremely heartbreaking when you hear children being victims of bear attacks. I can't imagine what the little girl was going thru in that moment of the attack. I hope that the mom and the son are doing well

[@LizHarriton]

Well, you have to understand animals feel I had a juvenile. Bear Yes, no children should be harnessed and a person has a right to kill the Bear if they're in fear of their life or harming their family but I had a juven. Ile bear coming here, very depressed, not aggressive what? Soever when passed my cats, we made Eye contact. They didn't come near me, it looked. It was wandering aimlessly it looked very sad. I believe hunters killed its mother. And sometimes that will make bears aggressive as they're being hunted for sport

[@ganymeade5151]

Very tragic and sad. Her family will never forget.

[@Wootangtw]

Wow …this place is about 50 miles from me… first of all never run from any predator ..and never turn your back on one either ..and always I mean always ..carry a firearm… thanks for the video buddy…

[@scarybearattacks]

Tommy, now don't go running after any bears! Be careful buddy and take care!

[@Wootangtw]

@@scarybearattacks lol

[@dehavillandcanadatwinotter9621]

@@Wootangtw the heck are you supposed to do then? Stand there? Not everyone has ready access to a firearm, some countries with bears don’t even allow guns, and national parks don’t

[@LovellArt]

I always see comments from people saying black bears are usually fine around humans and shy. These stories make me fear them just as much as a brown.

[@jaysaget1280]

This episode makes it difficult to enjoy the outdoors with my family. My son is a toddler, and he loves the outdoors. My wife is 9-months pregnant, so this story, starring 2 babies, 😮 was pretty tough to imagine.

[@scarybearattacks]

@jaysaget1280 I hope you take your kids and family out to the woods and let them soak in the beauty, majesty and freedom! Don't be scared and don't live scared. Enjoy the adventure with them and show them each detai and every masterpiece. They will remember it and appreciate it through out their lives.

[@1t_wasnt_me]

There's a commodity that you could try, that most people seem to have forgotten about and it appears to be very rare, it is called "COMMON SENSE", used properly, it amazingly has a very high percentage rate of successfully avoiding deadly or disastrous situations. From 0.58, the narrator says, "in this area in the last few weeks, FORTY TWO bear sightings have been documented", this should tell ANY parent with two or more braincells, to keep your children close by and not let them run ahead out of sight in a place that is obviously frequented by BEARS!

[@mrazik131]

have the bear spray ready and use it to spray the area they will leave and no harm will be done...

[@Lam-he6mj]

Be very afraid of bears. The wilderness is not a playground and we are simply a source of food when we enter. Always carry a weapon, keep children close.

[@kittywells3152]

This is so very sad. I'm thinking of there had been bear spray, and a weapon, there may have been a better chance to save Elora. My sympathy and prayers to the family. 💔

[@russelneilv1361]

Usually it helps.. simply having it is not enough but being trained to use them in situations.... Once the bear is within a certain range you have to start spraying and never turn your back on a bear...

[@ganymeade5151]

Bear spray does not work on windy days and won't stop some bears. Knowing how to use a gun effectively is better. However, sometimes even using a gun does not work, if the shooter does not have enough experience to land an effective first shot. Bears get can become enraged and kill if they are not immediately dispatched.

[@DCarloss]

Thanks for making this episode. My dad was apart of the hunt for the bear. They got the right bear. I imagine these stories are sometimes hard to tell. You made my dad a subscriber! Thank you for making this!

[@scarybearattacks]

WOW! The best part of doing these mini-docs is when people who were involved chime in with their information. Thank you for posting! The sources are often conflicting and hard to determine which one is true. I simply listen to the trend of the facts and use the most reliabel source. Would be great to hear your dad's version of the facts on this case. Take care and thanks again!

[@lindaarrington9397]

Hi I have a question for your father if he's able to answer. Was the second bear The one with dna on it Was it shot With a 38 Did the officer accually shot it?

[@sunnystormy4973]

-#cheers-- !-

[@clintoncampbell236]

Yes , firearms and bear spray certainly could have played a role in the preservation of life . As for her saying that to her mom , I don’t have a rational explanation. In my own life experience, when my father was dying I told everyone a week before he died, that he would die on my birthday. He did indeed pass away on my birthday. Everyone asked me how I knew that. I don’t know how I knew it, I just did . So life is mysterious.

[@lindaarrington9397]

A week before my brother was hit by a car His personality changed with me. He also asked me if several people loved him See he was a Nam war vet and mentally ill. He lived with me I took care of him he took all his spite out on me and did rotten stuff but he was very sick. I loved him so much And I miss him I told everyone he had a premonition that something was going to happen to him. I know it. God is great letting us know things.

[@MrsDenali3]

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THINGS LIKE THAT. KEEP IN FAITH WITH THE FATHER SON & HOLY SPIRIT. IF HE TOLD U THAT HE WILL TELL U OTHER THINGS AS WELL. GOD BLESS YOUR LIFE!

[@pullo5518]

What a sad episode, poor little girl, died all alone.

[@1t_wasnt_me]

No, she wasn't all alone, she had a big bear keeping her company, thanks to her brainless mother!

[@barbg1485]

@@1t_wasnt_me ur gonna blame the mother 🤡

[@thymenabottle2515]

You’re in my backyard again, Atticus. I’m on the NC side of the Blueridge. I know this story was difficult to tell. It was difficult to hear. I follow you, not because of the ‘shock’ value, but to glean knowledge and hopefully wisdom. The take-away today for me: When we take children to enjoy nature - where freedom to run and play is expected, how do we keep a watchful eye out for ourselves, while the other eye focuses on our first priority - the safety of our kids? I’m also reminded to not be lulled into a sense of safety, just because the trail is familiar and brings back sweet memories. The woods are gonna be different, every single time. Make sure there is at least one other adult with you whose job is to get ALL your kids out, should a catastrophe like this happen. This great-grandma has lived in these woods a long time. Don’t keep your children from the nature God has given us. Just be hyper-vigilant, and prepared. NC has ridiculous laws , in regards to bear spray. Use your best judgement and decide from there. That’s what I do 😉. Thank you, Atticus, for your videos. - Nanna

[@kimmuckenfuss2284]

I am unfamiliar w/NC laws. What are the 'ridiculous laws' NC has in regards to bear spray? I'd really like to know. Thank you in advance.

[@scarybearattacks]

Well hang on buddy cause we have a few more from that area! I hear you on taking the kids into nature. I have raised my boys in the Idaho woods and often think of the many times my decisions may have ended in disaster. It ended up good so far, but that is the typical deal. It is the odd circumstances that break our hearts, like this episode. Take care!

[@thymenabottle2515]

@@kimmuckenfuss2284 gotta be over 18 yrs of age, no convicted felons, can’t remember the others. A kid can drive a deadly weapon. But, they can’t carry bear spray in the woods. Seems ridiculous to me. IMHO

[@lindaarrington9397]

Hi I'm in VA. Near the Blur Ridge Parkway. We have so many black bear that they state or county will no longer trap them when you wake up at 5 am getting ready for work and they are sitting on my porch looking through the sliding glass doors watching me It was just sitting there. I thought someone had put our trash bag out But no when I stepped over to the door and cut the light on it stood up. I simply cut the light out . Backed out of its view and sat till daylight. It was gone I bet my boss thought Yeah I've heard it all on why someone's late 4 work. But they are all over the place up here in these mountains Don't know about Carolina but in VA most counties have a bounty to cull them there are plenty . I had 9 deer run out in front of me the other day like they were running from the devil himself. I figured it was a bear I had just left home so it wasn't even a mile that all nine came out at different places I hadn't even seen a bear Much less any deer here as I've just moved last 6 months here.

[@carolynstrozier3179]

Sometime we cause own death by being negligent.

[@raptorkravmaga9977]

The adults bear the responsibility for this sad event. They went to a place where there was a possibility of encountering bears and other wild animals and they had nothing with them to defend themselves and their children.

[@garethifan1034]

Agreed 100%.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Yes, it is the parents job to protect their children every way possible. None of that snivvling "I don't like guns" , tough, perform your responsibilities as an adult and parent. The life you save may be your child's, or somebody else's child or even yourself.

[@brucescanlan1162]

Very sad story. Yes, a gun would have saved a life. Guns should be mandatory in bear country, at least to scare them off.

[@uzifromtwitter5257]

Seeing that it’s a national forest pretty sure only rangers can have guns (not that that should stop you)

[@charles1606]

A gun MAY have saved the day; it's not written in stone. Humans shouldn't stupidly put themselves in situations where this type of incidences can occur. It was not the bear's fault. It was a human error.

[@1t_wasnt_me]

@@charles1606 You're politely labelling it "human error", downright careless stupidity is a more accurate description, but I'm glad to see someone else can also see past the "poor wee girl & bad bear" bullsh__.

[@charles1606]

@@uzifromtwitter5257I personally would not go anywhere that apex predators roam free without multiple high powered weapons, irregardless of the law.

[@charles1606]

@@1t_wasnt_me you're exactly right. It goes beyond error to include total stupidity.

[@carlaperry1312]

My Gosh how sad, poor bby, Just horrible, May she RIHP God Bless🕊🕯🌹So sorry to hear,.

[@gregorymackey103]

If you don't go into bear country lots of these stories should not happen keep the proper firearm with you always for these animals and give yourself a chance this is so sad its heartbreaking

[@MonTube2006]

"Bear country"

[@russelneilv1361]

@@MonTube2006 yes.. places where there are a lot of bears.. just like you have to be wary of snakes and gators for instance in certain places... Some places have wild cats, like mountain lions.. you have to be wary of that, just like knowing neighborhoods.. Earth is a violent place..

[@usmcmma]

I've hunted for years and never feared bear. That is, until I started listening to your channel. I never carried a sidearm or Bear Spray when hunting until now that is!

[@kimmuckenfuss2284]

I'm glad to hear you've taken heed. You can never be too careful.

[@tristantimothy1004]

Bears aren't a problem, until they ARE. We live in the heart of bear central bush Alaska. Freiking bears are EVERYWHERE all summer long. Both blackies & griz. 1000s of sightings, 100s of " in your face" encounters. Went 9 years w no problems then got attacked 3 times in one summer alone. 7 more years no problem & then 2 attacks in that summer. One just never knows w bears but we NEVER go out w/o our bear stoppers ON US. A cop Dosent go to work w/o his gun, neither do we. If ever attacked just remember the " magic triangle" across the eyes DOWN to the nose where the bears brain is at. Even a 22 L.R. will punch through & instantly kill a bear. We had a F&G officer up here who only carried a 40 S&W semi auto his entire career. Shot many trouble bears in the FACE w it. He laughed at the big bore guys & retired unscathed. Said he'd never seen a bear attack anything by running at it backwards. Lotsa Alaska bear stories. Most true. Check out " Phil Schumakers 9mm grizzly kill." With the right ammo you can stop anything. Caliber is not important. Last summer a friend w a 500 mag emptied his backup into a small charging griz. Last shot from 2 feet away broke the spine & dropped it at his feet. NON of his shots were in the head. Lil old bushlady who spent decades alone out here only had a short bbl 22 L.R. bolt rifle she carried everywhere. Shot bears in the eye, up the nose or just under the base of the ear sideways for a solid instant drop brain hit. Said she shot the bears the moment they looked at her, didn't give em a chance to even think about attacking her. Bear, moose, everything. Knew her weapon well. Could snap head shoot a running squirrel @ 50 yards no problem. We usually carry 3 guns. The 45/70 lever rifle, my 10mm backup sidearm & a lil 22 pocket pistol if all else fails. If it's close enough to hurt you it's close enough to shoot in the face. My wife carries her semi auto shotgun & her 40 S&W when she/ kids were out on their walks. All loaded with hot bear thumpers. She's NEVER been attacked in 38 years. Seems they like screwing with me more. 😊 Course, I'm our there the most too. Hunting, fishing, logging, ect.

[@tomfilipiak3511]

I mentioned this again,and again,My sons and I are going fishing,250 miles north of Thunder Bay ontario, we were told we can not bring a rifle or shot gun with us,lots of bears,up there!In the provincial park areas,no weapons are allowed,if you have a encounter,you must contact the authorities,and they will deal with the situation,how stupid is this!Does anyone have a reasonable response!

[@usmcmma]

Tristan Timothy Holy $hit that's amazing!!! Thanks for the reply. Super interesting. We had a mother Panther get testy with us when we set a game camera at the entrance to her den in a dry cypress dome, but she let us back away without incident. The gators aren't as forgiving. I tripped over a 10 footer miles from any canals in the Big Cypress Turner River Unit. I was Turkey hunting and walking a single track before dawn in a pine flat and though it was a log. I stepped on the base of his tail, and He whipped me so hard in the calf that I thought my leg was broken. Thank God he couldn't turn on me as most of his body was between two trees. Strange how it probably couldn't be any more different than where you live.

[@usmcmma]

Tom Filipiak when seconds count, help is only 30 minutes away, I guess. So I assume they at least allow bear spray???

[@BytheWay333]

I believe it is most likely avoidable if ppl carry firearms or at least spray.

[@Ourtrailadventures]

The report provided in depth information on the first bear but yielded little on the second that contained the girl’s DNA. I wonder if they found the bullet that struck it upon autopsy of the second bear.

[@scarybearattacks]

That is a great questions, but the amazing detectives at Google.com couldn't even shed more light on the facts in the video. It is the frayed ends of these attacks that always gets me. What if? What about? When did? Etc. Very 2 AM-ish!

[@btcrazee1]

It seems Elora had some sort of premonition of something catastrophic happening. What a horrid experience.

[@foofookachoo1136]

DEFINITELY!!!

[@AutisticBearLover]

I remember hearing this story when I was about 9 years old, on an old show on Animal Planet called “I’m alive”. I remember that story to this day, and I’m now 23. This story made me study bears, because I wanted to know why this bear attacked seemingly unprovoked. It started my entire love for them. RIP to little Elora, one day I’ll visit that forest and set flowers down for her. We’ll always remember you sweetheart💗

[@delisaallen3088]

you watch your child ALL THE TIME when outside you DO NOT take your eyes off of them and you NEVER let them run ahead of you and out of sight period . and ALWAYS carry in the woods ALWAYS ! very sad . poor little girl .

[@scarybearattacks]

I am so guilty of this and always thought of it as a boy being a boy, and exploring and adventuring! I am thankful that my fun never ended in tragedy with my sons and can't imagine how painful some of these events are to the people who survived.

[@elizabethtosanwunmitarre1935]

This is heartbreaking 💔

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Elora was just 6-years-old when she was tragically killed by a black bear, but her then 45-year-old mother and 2-year-old brother were injured

[@randymoats2059]

Awful attack. Bear spray or even better a handgun. Why is it they keep saying rare attack it's not rare at all

[@Agouti23]

>a rare attack. clearly this is the result of the liberal pro bear media. inform your loved ones to carry at least one mag of hardcast and 9mm or more for black and 10mm or more for brown

[@tristantimothy1004]

Randy, the medias are controlled by liberal idiots who ignore FACTS & push their ideologies completely ignoring TRUTH. LOTS of people vanish in our forests & are never found. Probably victems of predators. Both 4 & 2 legged ones. It's easy for the forests to vanish evidences. ESPECIALLY if they're being vanished intentionally. Mice & shrews can vanish a body in days leaving only the teeth behind which is quickly hidden by plants. Not to mention ants, birds,flies & their maggots. Seems kinda funny so few animal remains are found yet nobody equates that to human disappearances too. I saw an entire bear carcuss disappear in 5 days. Mostly eatin by maggots. Following year not even the skeleton remained. Shrews/ mice had eatin it under the snow during the winter. Only thing left were tufts of fur because they ate the skin too. From dust we come, to dust we return. The cycle of life goes on.

[@carolynstrozier3179]

Why did she take her kid's where there are bear's. When are people going to realize they can't beat a bear. I blame people for these death's.

[@tristantimothy1004]

Carol, I blame the KYING SCUMS in Hellyweird with their B.S. stories about wildlife. Most folks don't have a clue & think The Lion King & Bambi & Yogi & Booboo are their buddies until reality bites their ass & they discover reality as it's killing them.

[@theresablaylock7699]

So sad, some of these scary bear are really hard to hear without crying..

[@scarybearattacks]

Me too my friend.

[@troymorgan5395]

So sad about the little girl. I think the bear was run off by people and just happened to find the little girl alone and easy to get. Hopefully the little girl didn't see the bear coming. Yes they killed the right bear. However that doesn't help the little girl now.

[@jaysaget1280]

Tough episode 😳

[@scarybearattacks]

This one, and the episode regardin the three brothers in Canada, Theoret and her baby, and the episode on Bird ridge with the boy named Patrick have scared my heart. As a parent I have done ALL of the same things, and have paid nowhere near this costly a price. It will stick with them for life.

[@rodmunch1931]

What a sad story. “Like a covey of quail.” I am surprised no one had a weapon, being in TN. A gun or spray or even a large knife may have helped. And why did the authorities show up with just a .38? I think they got the bar based on the dna test.

[@erikak8187]

No no no. Do not run. That’s the golden rule. Because yelling screaming you have a high chance of the bear going away and saving.

[@tristantimothy1004]

Erika, Not in a predatory attack. Bears don't fear humans at all. Know we're weak & defenseless & easy to take out. If they're really hungry all the yelling & waving & groupthink isn't going to stop em. Cops don't go to work w/o they're guns & people shouldn't be in the woods helpless. Bears are ALWAYS armed & people should be too. In ANY jungle. The worst being Americas city's.

[@markstone1619]

I'll say this... if you're in any environment where deadly predators exist, it doesn't matter if you haven't seen one there in 50 years or if there's only 0.01% chance of an encounter, no matter what... ALWAYS carry a potent firearm. Not 'just' carry it, but be VERY proficient in drawing it and using it. Train in every aspect, regularly. I firmly believe that would have saved this mother (provided she was well trained/skilled and not just 'having' a gun) in the initial encounter, and thus ended the bear's ability to make her daughter a fatal victim afterward. I carry everywhere, as deadly human predators exist... everywhere.

[@davidpamclark4707]

This is so sad and cant imagine losing my little girl to something so terrifying. I think there is a time when wildlife management should bring in more hunting on certain animals like this, too many bears in one area will make us prey, unprotected we are easy prey easy meals! We have lost those management skills due to certain animal activist! We deserve to be in those woods as much as anyone or anything else does and our children shouldn't have to die that way because of it! Prayers to the family!

[@kuhnemund6523]

If you “deserve” to be there, in the home of wild animals, then bring protection.

[@relax2dream164]

I hope the angels came for her like mommy said. 😥❤️🇨🇦

[@janisewellington3971]

Yes they came for her before the bear attacked her, her soul was taken, she felt nothing.

[@mariamead4444]

There is no way to know if Bear spray would have worked, because no one had any to try. A fire arm of some kind carried by a person who knew how to use it would probably have deterred the bear, but again, no one had one. With black bears becoming more and more plentiful throughout the east and maybe the west too, it just makes no sense to be completely unprepared to have an encounter with one of them on a walk or hike in the forest. Also, children should always be in a group AT ALL TIMES when out in the wilderness. This is such a sad story, but one people can learn from. I have lived in New Hampshire since I moved up from Boston 15 years ago. I used to feed the birds winter and summer, scaring bears off my front porch many times. Since I started watching these stories ,I no longer feed the birds in the summertime, and I would never ever walk alone in the woods without bear spray and either a big stick and/or a knife that meant business. Bears are just too unpredictable. Oh, and forget about camping in a tent.

[@kygreenskeeper8326]

Another great story my friend.. really sad.... Thx as as always.

[@jumpingjackflash1214]

I don't understand why anyone goes out in nature without some kind of weapon. I always carry a box cutter or a small 380 that'll fit in my front pocket unnoticeable by others.

[@Deb-fs9st]

Tennessee is gorgeous, I've been through there many times. A whole lot of wildlife ✌️

[@barbg1485]

Heartbreaking rip Elora 😭

[@ricrinehart975]

I love to hike especially in Tennessee but I always have my 17 round 9 with me

[@sylvesteryoung2514]

No weapon + No bear spray = being a prey for a bear. This bear attack would have been avoided. This is a terrible pill to swallow when you hear a story about a little girl being mauled by a bear.

[@mikemelina7395]

Firearms and bear spray are really required when it comes to entering bear country. Black bears in those latitudes aren't true hibernators though, so I don't see this attack as a result of post-hibernation hunger, more a case of a calculated desire to predate. That boar saw those hikers as prey.

[@pattieh5118]

Prayers.

[@debbieannsmith8962]

I love your channel. Keep up the awesome work. 👌

[@gabe-po9yi]

I can’t believe how many times, beginning when I was a kid, I’ve been in those mountains and never once gave any thought to bears. It’s only been since the advent of the internet, I realized how aware and prepared one needs to be in areas where there are bears. The only thing I’ve come up with as to why it wasn’t talked about then was there wasn’t near the development that came to be, so there was still extensive land and natural resources for them to where they didn’t need to go into areas where there were people.

[@petrotmyrcz308]

These stories that involve the loss of children are heart wrenching. RIP little one.

[@quartzite4845]

Thank you for your strength in sharing such a sensitive and emotional testimony

[@janiceheger291]

What a precious family. May God Almighty continue to comfort them and reward them eternally for their witness of Him. Elora is with the Father.

[@jenisemcintyre3839]

R.I.P. little Elora. You are safe with The Almighty now. 🙏🏾🌹💝🩰💕💖🙏🏾

[@louisepetrodelport7622]

I know that small children can see angels and I believe the angels or Jesus could've told her its time for her to come home. I wish I could tell the family not to cry 'cause this is only for a short time. They will be reunited in heaven soon.

[@randybedker1584]

Definitely would have been a different outcome if a weapon was present. Bear spray probably would have changed outcome but predatory attacks are more aggressive.

[@patriciaeddy7629]

Bear country needs to be respected. Bears are as much drawn to this water source as would be humans, more so actually, since this is the bears home.

[@TastyBadger]

Those people who do not take measures to protect their own lives are professional victims. Those who do not defend children are worse than infidels .

[@michaelbecansr9843]

God bless you for posting this and the way in which it was done. This is informative and respectful. So sad for the little girl and the mother and son and the Dad. Yes. I think people that go into the woods should be armed for protection. At least maybe have an armed trained Forest Ranger at all times, especially when there are many visitors. I definitely think they got the right Bear. I think people need more education before going into the woods. I think wild animal attacks on humans are on the rise. Thank you God bless you

[@sharonmcneil3545]

Poor baby girl and poor family. The mom thought she was doing something nice for her children. I don't know how Elora knew, but I don't doubt that she did. As a pediatric nurse, I've been things I can't explain and don't understand. It sounds like they got the right bear, after unfortunately getting the wrong bear. If this spot is popular with families, do they have signs or recommend bear spray or anything? I hope Elora's family has been able to continue with their healing.

[@lisamcdonald1014]

As of 2006, Susan Cenkus and Robert Petrasek still continue to grieve for the tragic loss of their daughter

[@romanc.5074]

Very sad, a disaster waiting to happen.

[@jeffwarren6906]

Always have a weapon and be ready to use it , preferably something larger caliber than the .38 pistol used to shoot this bear .. The bear was hit with the .38 and just turned around and left running away , that .38 had no stopping effect at all .. I know saying " when going into bear country go in pairs " isn't popular and can interfer with outdoor plans , but getting killed or chewed up by a predator can wreck your day too .... Maybe God in some way gave the little girl a fore warning , He is God afterall and can do as He pleases . With Eloras DNA being on the claws of the bear pretty much convinces me of the identity of which bear was guilty , how else did it get there , afterall her body didn't lay there for days , giving another bear a chance to feed on the remains .. I have spent ALOT of time in the high country of the Northwest and we know { by the signs & tracks } we are in the domain of wolves , cougar , and bear all the time and we always have weapons that will eliminate anything living there , one of us has a sidearm { large caliber } out at all times ready to use .. Be ready when visiting even popular areas like this unfortunate family did . Having people roaming around the area with you will not prevent an attack , but a large piece of lead hitting the predator will , or will at least give you a chance of going home that day .. Wow Pal , 77k subs , you've come a long way Sir , TOLD YOU SO , hahahahaha . See ya at the next one my friend ..

[@lindasd7591]

I just don't understand why people walk into the woods, with their children, with absolutely no protection from bears. Praying for God's Comfort for the family 🙏

[@robertdysonn]

This is a disgrace, the adults at this lake completely failed this mother and her two kids, along with the possibility of their own. If all the adults would’ve got the kids together and face is bare down, nobody would’ve been killed, but instead they all had to flee in every direction and completely failed at their jobs as protectors. Sometimes it’s shameful. How we can Americans are, we live such a spoiled lives in danger, is something that makes us panic just as though we were children ourselves.

[@musicface05]

It seems that you have never truly seen a real life bear in the wild. I live in Alaska, and I can tell you, it doesn't matter what you do, if it's just before winter, or just after (when bears are most vulnerable), a bear will continue to attack a person with a shotgun, let alone a few bystanders and children yelling at it. We seem to have an idea here that the only people that die of bears are tourists, because the locals know to always carry a rifle, 10mm pistol or spray into the wild.

[@robertdysonn]

@@musicface05 not only if I see them in the wild, but they wander into the small Colorado town I live in. Ihave had them in my trash cans and on my property and since you do not seem to understand there is a big difference between Grizzlies and black bears.

[@musicface05]

​@@robertdysonn I'm talking about blacks. Browns are a totally different subject. I understand what you are saying. Don't discredit my experience just because you don't agree. We have Blacks, browns (grizzlies), polars and Kodiaks, here. So, im more than aware of the difference. Also, a 60lbs black rummaging through your trash when you are safe in your home is absolutely different than biking a trail here and being stalked by a starving black bear just before hibernation season.

[@Agouti23]

the adults failed the mother? do you think random strangers have a duty to protect other random strangers? how foolish are your thoughts!

[@robertdysonn]

@@musicface05 I know you feel you are a bear expertt because you live in Alaska but you are making a lot of assumptions, ever had a face to face with a black bear well I have. They said this bear they shot was in great health and not starving at all. I actually had a face to face with a 200 pounder while unloading grocieries from the car. Relatively speaking the blacks can be scared away most of the time bear expert.

[@simonebossman-2762]

I am 70 & have had 2 confrontations in the last 5 years with big male black bears. I now realize how close I was to being one of these videos. I try to carry my old single shot 12 gauge with slugs when I'm in bear country. It's a shame our government won't let us wear a side arm for protection in bear country.

[@martinep6293]

Add 2 cans of bear spray (40 feet, tested recently). Make sure you practice you may need the "muscle memory" in a panic. An air horn. No sugary/smelly snacks Avoid hiking with the wind in you face, stop often to listen for noises. Make sure you understand what noises you hear. If there is a lot of wind in the trees and a stream the bear may not hear you, or smell you. NEVER surprise a bear. Make 100% sure the bears know you are coming. I would not ride a bike: what is the difference with running? for a bear?? If you cannot get bothered learning about bears behavior and the terrain you are going into, dont go where they are. And yes, quite a few campgrounds are right in the middle of bear food. Bears are pretty well tempered considering the "errors" humans make. Bear territory is not an amusement park.

[@jaysaget1280]

Hit the like button y’all!

[@ellp152]

Probably the saddest incident with children and bears I’ve ever heard ❤

[@scarybearattacks]

Any time an episode involves the death of a kid, it sticks with me for weeks. I can't imagine a little smiling kid just frolicking and laughing than that kind of tragedy. That is why we do this, so people know they need to protect themselves and their loved ones.

[@ellp152]

@@scarybearattacks I watch every episode and definitely take some of this with me when I go in bear country!!!! Keep up the great videos!!! ❤️

[@rogergreen5574]

pepper spray may have prevented the attack. a greater harvest during hunting season would help also. Get bears more learry of peolpe!

[@user-xp7lb8ld1l]

This child had a premonitions and knew what would happen before it happened .As for the bears ,the 1st bear was not correct but the 2bd bear was the correct one and if someone would have had both a firearm and bear spray and knew how to properly use them this would never have happened.Rest in peace to this beautiful child .My heart goes out to her entire family.

[@russelneilv1361]

Earth is a violent place and this is why you have to always be aware of your surroundings..

[@ganymeade5151]

Very sad and tragic story. Smoky Mountain black bears have a reputation for being very dangerous. Best not to hike alone without having and knowing how to use serious protection. There is no real safety in a group unless someone has experience using firearms to protect. Bear spray does not always work. On windy days, bear spray can miss the bear; and instead spray back to the user.

[@patfitzpatrick7692]

I have been to this area Trout Fishing many times. Never saw any bears. The only bears I have encountered were both in cadas Cove in the smokies

[@thehatedmoviereviewer]

I had seen this story a while ago and always think about it but couldn't remember where it happened

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee

[@jennifergilbert9596]

Thanks for the video

[@gabrielmcguire-ve8lu]

RIP little one.

[@danielbridgewater3444]

Absolutely heart wrenching. Makes me want to go bear hunting.

[@MsAdventure531]

Hold up there, Rooster Cogburn. No need to go on a rampage. Just be prepared.

[@gatorduran3288]

I love Bear stories!

[@arc3dprintanddesign]

the chief was carrying a .38?!??! He should be ashamed for that kind of unprofessionalism. The bear raised up just to laugh after his weak two shots. Really...I love lower calibers for many reasons. But a .38 in bear country is shameful. He really should be ashamed.

[@jameshayes4390]

Well, this was awful to hear.

[@Agouti23]

It's hard to feel pity. These are the same people that would want to take your guns away, and then they get caught, gunless, in the woods. Is this not karma? If someone truly cared, they would be armed. Am I wrong? It sucks her little girl died, a lot. But none of them were willing to take appropriate steps to protect themselves in nature.

[@JaleelJohanson62]

There's no way of really knowing for sure where they fall on the gun issue. They, like so many including even hunters, probably never gave a chance encounter with a black bear any thought whatsoever. Where they fall on the gun issue honestly doesn't matter though... Your comment speaks to what's wrong with our country today. To be so polarized to the point that no empathy is felt for such a horrible tragedy is awful. I'm a 2nd amendment supporter and a master level marksman. I've hunted with and competed with firearms for years. I still feel great empathy for this family.

[@kimmuckenfuss2284]

@@JaleelJohanson62 my 1st thought when reading that person's comment was they were politicizing a story on a bear attack. That is beyond sad, for sure. Thanks for your comment.

[@evelynwaugh4053]

Karma my @ss. Is it karma if YOU suffer misfortune? Probably not, then it's just life and random events. This sounds like a very well used trail with a lot of human use. It's likely that being regular visitors to the trail, they assumed it was safe, because it had always been safe in the past, but things change. Maybe this year there were less berries due to drought, or a larger bear population, or some other factor that created risks they weren't aware of.

[@Agouti23]

@@JaleelJohanson62 >the second amendment is about hunting or competition. lol. lawl. lmao even.

[@Agouti23]

@@kimmuckenfuss2284 I just saw someone politicize a random shooting to promote of all things, a pro gay agenda. the stops are now removed. I'll promote whatever agenda I want, from whatever tragedy I want. Eric Holder said it best: never let a tragedy go to waste. More conservatives should learn the rules for radicals. It cuts both ways!

[@badassmofo3081]

Oh man, that one hurts myy hearth

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Mine too

[@neeceeboo777]

Awesome video ❤

[@stormsiren7207]

The bigger they get the more they want to eat. If you happen to be what they decide to eat you better have a weapon. Playing dead won't work as well during predatory attacks where they just want to eat.

[@claudedalton8970]

GREAT JOB! SUBSCRIBED!

[@cathynavarrette6568]

When you go into their territory be prepared to defend yourself. If you don't you put yourself and those with you at risk.

[@thetrainwreck1469]

Literally no one had a shotgun, or rifle. In Tennessee of all places.

[@robertmosher7418]

Ok. There was lady mauled and killed by a black bear in California this past weekend in what appears to have been a predatory attack. You should check it out and let us know what happened.

[@louisegoins7630]

😢

[@spookerr]

750,000 bears in N. America? YES. Definately a powerful firearm and bear spray, both.

[@Scrap5000]

This is so incredibly horrible

[@lisamcdonald1014]

Tragic

[@Ivoryosby]

This was a sad one damn rip

[@KINGPENEYEBALL]

So sad

[@charles1606]

Two bears were euthanized for being bears in their natural habitat where humans had no place being without protection.

[@kimberlywilliams7543]

No doubt about when you go into Black Bear Country arm yourself because at least you a chance to survive and save your loved ones from death by Black Bears. Many Black Bears have learned to identify outlines, shadowows of rifeles and hand guns. Just fire a warning shot and most bears will run and if they don'r at least your ready, willing and able to defend yourself.. Having no defense against Black Bear gives them advantage and if you don't believe in guns than don't go in the woods were there are Black Bears!!!

[@yvetteroberts3147]

I would not take my dog to a place where there are bears. Why would anyone expose their children???

[@MsAdventure531]

It’s not clear to me how Elora’s tragic attack was able to occur?? Can someone clarify the chain of events that led to the bear’s attack on Elora? Thank you.

[@MrHrKaidoOjamaaVKJV]

Time and multiple experiences have shown Bear Spray to largely be ineffective against determined engaging Bears including attacking Black Bears. In such close reactionary Bear attacks the most effective personal safety device is a capable Handgun that is loaded with Flat Nose bullets that are made of solid Hard Cast Lead or Copper. Note Avoid using Hollow Point bullets, they don't offer the necessary deep penetration to be effective. Rather use Solid Flat Nose bullets made of hard cast Lead or Copper. One has to train with their handguns and be able to draw the handgun and have it on target within 3 seconds, as well as to know where to aim the vital areas to stop the attacking bear. I you care about your family and your personal safety, then you should get trained and carry a capable properly loaded handgun, Knifes, and Hatchets. Underwood, Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, and Grizzly ammunition companies all offer excellent effective modern metallic cartridge ammunition. Regarding the girl saying she will go to heaven before her mom, that could be a revelation from her Angles, RIP little girl.

[@natepatet3825]

How do i find the Merch Store?? I dont know what im doing wrong....cant find it?!?!? Help please?!?!

[@joeysanchez2023]

It’s a very sad thing. For sure. But perfectly natural. I can’t even imagine the countless times humans, throughout history being mauled and or killed by bears. Perhaps we have forgotten what being in the wild really means. Stay armed. Always.

[@mlembrant]

i'm going to slovakia, i hope i won't get skullcrushed by a 600 pound brown bear :(

[@fugitiverecoveryagent2972]

I’m from this area

[@johnbyrnes7912]

Dont go anywhwere in North America withouut weapons and keep kids close and never ever turn your back on a bear!!! Simple 🤡

[@jeromeberry4079]

Bears are Bears,, they will attack if they are not sick and all that other BS about the bear being diseased is pure baloney. ! All bears are unpredictable and dangerous!..!!! PERIOD .! GOD BLESS THIS FAMILY .! .!!

[@MoManny]

Playing Russian roulette with lives. It’s unfortunate this happened but the woman went to school in the area and knew it was bear country. Just mind boggling that she and others carried no protection.

[@sheilabaker3117]

I can’t see Susan carrying a fire arm. But bear spray? Maybe. Rest In Heaven Elora.

[@practicalone2]

Every year in the USA more humans are severely injured or killed by dogs than by bear, cougar, coyotes, wolves, sharks combined. Most of these dogs are owned. Admitted and convicted dog fighters continue to selectively breed dogs for fighting traits and abilities. These include unprovoked, prolonged, neutral- ground, suicidal, deadly aggression

[@jgreystoke]

Approx a hundred million dogs in the US living in people's homes. Millions more in Canada.