Prescott man who killed bear describes terrifying moment neighbor was mauled to death

David Montano says he ran at least 50 yards to see the massive black bear on top of 66-year-old Steven Jackson.

#arizona #azfamily #news #prescott #bearattack #deadlybearattack #deadlyattack #animal #animalattack #bears

[@sunshineinarizona1726]

David Montano showed courage trying to save his neighbor from the bear and he put his own life in danger by doing so. Good man and a good neighbor ❤ My condolences to Steven Jackson's family and friends.

[@meusatrumtempestas]

Well said.

[@beverleytinker2318]

Also to the bear❤️

[@cherimalmquist5577]

@@beverleytinker2318 Nope, sorry, this was a bad bear. Just like our 'bad' humans, bears have the same thing in their animal groups. That bear attacked not protecting anything, no confusion of the man he tore apart being a threat of any kind, just a 'bad seed' bear. He should absolutely been killed himself....no pity.

[@user-rz2zq8vp4r]

You are not in danger with a rifle. What's wrong with people?

[@bringitonbaby]

yea yea you think so???

[@garyji]

What really stands out in this interview with David Montano is the lack of sensationalism. He's just being very down-to-earth and is obviously shaken by his experience, but still manages to focus on the closeness of the community and the sense of loss they all share.

[@ce1581]

I feel for you Mr montano, very traumatic experience you were very brave and very focused and did an incredible job.

[@le_th_]

Mr. Montano sounds like a compassionate, empathic human being who really understands what is important in life, and you can hear the grief in his voice over the loss of his neighbor. I hope he will be able to heal from the trauma of what he saw, knowing that he took action to try and help in the best way he could. I hope his brain can quickly process these traumatic memories so that he doesn't get stuck in the trauma with PTSD. As for Mr. Jackson, I hope he didn't suffer too long.

[@matiasd.c9949]

a bear died though.

[@tangoindiamike9189]

@@matiasd.c9949 An aggressor died. A very dangerous one.

[@JohnnyDanger36963]

@@matiasd.c9949 where is the bear buired? I organize Shit-on-the-bears-grave tours..we even provide exlax chocolate.

[@gracegreen399]

Integrity and Courage.. Sending everyone involved healing and protection 🙏

[@a.w.thompson4001]

I'm so sorry Mr,, Jackson doesn't get to live out his life. My condolences to family and friends, especially "mountain family" who witnessed the attack and tried to save Mr.Jackson. Thank you, Mr. Montano, for your brave effort, and stopping further attacks.

[@jimf1964]

Everyone needs to protect their family, and neighbours……I wish more people had that sentiment, and as much humility as this man.

[@JohnnyDanger36963]

What about the bear?

[@ImUrZaddy]

The bear did exactly just that, it protected its family, neighbors and it’s natural habitat from intruders

[@joederay307]

Here's why the bear attacked the man. First it was hungry. Second the bear knew the poor person was easy prey and it could take him easily. These things happen from time to time. People should always have a sidearm when in the woods, for crazy people and dangerous animals. I'm sorry for the loss of both lives. Thank you to the man that did his absolute best effort to save the man.

[@mechengineer4894]

I remember a story of a guy shoving his arm down a grizzly bear's throat as it was attacking him causing it to gag and runaway.

[@dizzymindy6024]

My condolences to all involved. David, you are a hero, and I am sure it was a horrible day, but you came to help your neighbor, and God Bless You. It is not easy to make that decision. I have come too close to black bears, but have never had them be aggressive, that doesn’t mean it couldn’t happen. Black bears are usually timid unless threatened or cornered, but you never know how a wild animal will behave. Anyhow, I feel for everyone involved. What a nightmare.

[@shellos8]

I think it was a very easy decision to make under the circumstances.

[@user-rz2zq8vp4r]

Why is it a hard decision to help your neighbor? WTF!

[@harpreetweston]

Lol everyone is a hero these days for doing most basic shit. World is so soft now . Any normal person with rifle would have done that . The real hero is the kid who jumped on a bear who was attacking his friend and ended up saving his find without any weapons . That’s real hero courage . Ppl were calling some dad a hero for saving his daughter from a dog who wasn’t even looking to attack and was running towards her and he ran the dog off lol . Lile wtf what dad wouldn’t do that that is my rant for the day

[@matiasd.c9949]

a bear died though

[@pacunurse1]

God bless this man trying to save his Neighbor. Condolences to the Family! So sad. 😢😢😢

[@terrygrillo556]

Sorry for there lose but you live in bear country and had to go find someone with a gun to protect yourselfs ?

[@le_th_]

Maybe your god could have blessed him by not having this traumatic event in the first place, after all your all-knowing, all-powerful god has the power to do that, no? Yet, he did nothing...that is the blessing your god how for these men. It's almost like your all-powerful, all-knowing god stood by and did nothing to help...like a damn sociopath?

[@andreasobuaculla9511]

its a dreadful situation,bears are exceptionally intelligent,but a 2 legged meal is a meal,and i am in no way deminishing what occured ,if people can carry bear spray to the american congress seems reasonable to carry it where the bear is the boss,

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

diminishing

[@andreasobuaculla9511]

@@Lauren-vd4qe isnt that nice 14 people gave me the thumbs up!

[@Lauren-vd4qe]

@@andreasobuaculla9511 im so glad youre not diminishing!!

[@Witchofthewoods.]

David is a hero and you can see he's traumatized from this unfortunately event. What a sad case for all involved....even the bear 🐻

[@seanjohnson7508]

My condolences and prayers to the family, MAY GOD COMFORT YOU

[@Thomas_Jefferson_420]

Prayers for all involved 🙏🏻

[@racefan8418]

Carry some kind of weapon with you when you are in the woods. Because a human is not much of a match for a bear.

[@doug3819]

You are absolutely correct, many people don't realize this. Mike tyson in his prime would have no chance against a black bear.

[@jsmcguireIII]

I've worked in bear and mountain lion country for over 30 years and the biggest threat to me or my crews are always other humans. Ticks are a close second.

[@RichWeigel]

@@jsmcguireIII same as a hiker I am wary but bears see you before you ever see them. That is their home they know all the hiding spots. Same with mountain lions or any other creature that can do us harm. I worry more about running into another human that wants do do me harm than I ever would an animal.

[@arcturus8016]

@@RichWeigel I like how people continue to downplay the threat of bears... in a story where a healthy bear attacked and killed a human in predatory fashion. Because fellow humans are a far more likely and probable daily threat doesn't mean bears aren't a threat. Anyone unarmed in wild country is foolish, period.

[@Gerrard_7up]

Wonder what caliber rifle was used ?

[@walkzfar]

As a first Nation I feel so bad for the Bears 🐻 I grew up in black bear country... nobody I knew ever got killed by a bear... Nobody is an expert at anything

[@deduce9980]

The best bear video on KZbin is a First Nations guy in Canada being charged and attacked by a huge black bear while bow hunting. Its wild.

[@Nuttyirishman85]

@@deduce9980There is one in Alaska too, Easton bow huntings page.

[@Mike-01234]

This is why always want a dog around when you're in the wilderness. Good dog that is young would have smelled or saw that bear before it was able to sneak up on him. I always had at least 3 dogs on my property in the woods more than once they have chased off black bears.

[@itannoysme3348]

Dogs actually commonly do the exact opposite. If off leash, a dog can encounter a bear and, eventually retreating, draw it right back to their owner. Attacks on the owners often ensue. Most folks don't hike with 3 large dogs.

[@Mike-01234]

@@itannoysme3348 He wasn't hiking he was on his own property sitting at a table drinking coffee. He was in the process of building a cabin. The bear walked up behind him he didn't hear it. If he had a dog would have barked long before that bear got close. I always carry a pistol on my hip except in a national park. If dogs run back bear is going to be shot by my .44 magnum redhawk.

[@arcturus8016]

​@@Mike-01234Amen, brother. ...and you CAN legally carry in most National Parks for protection now, too.

[@Mike-01234]

@@arcturus8016 True you better be 100% sure can prove an unprovoked bear attack. In Yellowstone shoot a bear violated the Lacey act an 1894 law I guess the US attorney make a decision based on the circumstances. Hiking down a trail in dense forest run face to face with a large grizzly bear rather be alive then dead.

[@itannoysme3348]

@@Mike-01234 Except he wasn't exactly "in the wilderness," as you said in your initial comment. He was in an area with neighbors and was building a house. My comment applies to hiking in the actual wilderness.

[@tuckertruckerpatriot312]

I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Jackson's life. My most sincere condolences to All family and mountain family neighbors.

[@isaiahgimlewicz8298]

Sincere neighbor, good neighbor

[@The_DC_Kid]

It's true the bear had nothing unusual about it. That's bc it's completely usual for a MALE adult Black Bear to think of humans as potential prey even if there's nothing at all wrong with it. Doesn't mean they will always attack, but when they're good and hungry humans ARE on their menu of possible sources of food. Males also are territorial and take offense at other male creatures they see as rivals for resources invading their home ground.

[@tammyshupe1793]

So sad about the man who got killed by the bear. Thanks to the man who shot the bear.

[@SomeBuddy777]

A horrible situation all around. Obviously for the deceased, Mr. Steven Jackson. I pray that his family will find peace and comfort through God. And Mr Jackson's neighbor, as he witnessed his neighbor being killed. I also hope and pray that Our Lord is with him as he tries to overcome that horrible day.

[@johnirwin11]

did the lord not like mr. jackson?

[@mikefearn6596]

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.....RIP MY FRIEND...

[@psoon04286]

Wild animals are just that - wild. It’s unfortunate a human life was lost. Condolences to the family

[@ashleydaniel3215]

Traumatizing for sure, how sad. Sending prayers for all🙏

[@bratgirlrules8094]

Prayers for such a huge loss!!! Dear Lord, heal this family, friends, and the community. 🙏 🙏 🙏

[@le_th_]

I think this man has had just about enough of what "god" has in store for people. Your all-knowing, all-powerful god did nothing but stand by and allow this to happen. That is what a sociopath would do.

[@bratgirlrules8094]

The power of Jesus is without end. Watch how God turns this situation into a blessing. The wrath of Jesus is real, so watch how you talk about my Lord.

[@matiasd.c9949]

a bear died though...

[@chuckwaardenburg496]

@matiasd.c9949 Overall, it was a good bear though, If the bear believed in Bear Jesus Christ. There's a good chance that it went to Bear Heaven...

[@matiasd.c9949]

@@chuckwaardenburg496 .f o ff

[@xvsj5833]

A rare and unfortunate moment for all involved ❤️

[@user-zy3zd3sx2d]

Shooter clearly knew where to aim for vital shots. Too bad victim didn't keep bear spray nearby. I hope David Montano seeks trauma counseling. Life will never be the same for those affected.

[@gracebateman777]

It's so sad Mr Jackson didn't make it. The neighbours were all very brave and did the right thing, I pray they don't stay traumatised by the lethal attack they witnessed, the sight, screams and smell are haunting. God be with them all.

[@131601]

It’s obvious David is a good man and given a little more warning, he could possibly saved Steve’s life. It must have been one of those everything goes wrong scenario’s for someone like Steve to be caught up in that horrible situation.

[@jeffersondavis2530]

Bears, mountain lions, lynx and bobcat ALL KILL for a living. Nuff said.

[@elvergontemeto714]

Oh ok Thanks for letting me know

[@abandonexplorations3896]

I have property up on Prescott and I've seen all of those animals but there's up in Prescott are very vicious do not approach them

[@cogreenqueen]

So sad! What a terrible tragedy, I could not imagine what Steven went through. My condolences to his family and friends, I'm so sorry for all of your loss! The neighbors coming together trying to help and David finally shooting and killing the bear, was very brave and courageous of each one! May God comfort you all, give you strength to get through and help you have peace. ♡s n ((hugs))

[@edith4334]

Sadness is overwhelming for both souls, by the look of the wooded area maybe just maybe was expected amongst other wild life. Ask humankind who's trespassing?

[@kennethshaw626]

The bear was hungry, that can happen if they lose their fear of man. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

[@TeeterTotter-om6db]

I went to pigeon forge Tennessee and didn't even want to sit on the balcony because of bear warnings. I will never understand why some people think they can just do whatever they want to.

[@neweyes777]

Prayers for all involved. God bless all.

[@markgreiser464]

"We have to protect ourselves". Never let them take away your Right to defend yourself. No matter the bad situation, Cops/Help is always minutes away. Stay frosty.

[@julieb7785]

What a humble, decent man. We should all be so concerned for our neighbors....and our neighbors worthy of such concern.

[@Jason-mp6yj]

Clearly this is a case of extreme racism, a white man shooting a "black" bear.......the parents of the black bear have already come out with a statement, "my boy would never hurt nobody, he was always such a good boy"

[@steveng1624]

Terrible incident, I feel for the guys family and friends. I appreciate the guy that shot the bear, he did all he could have done. ❤

[@sharonharrison3611]

God bless him and all who tried to save mr Jackson.😢

[@mattwaters6987]

Such a sad story. Condolences to his family. 😕

[@edierllamasfixedthis]

Thank you David

[@janetwarren]

Sorry for your loss 😢

[@roxananunez4238]

My deepest condolences to he’s family 😪😪🙏R.I.P.

[@MariaPereira-qc4px]

I feel sorry for the human and bear..

[@southerngirlsrock2799]

My condolences to the victims family an friends also to David an his family, the neighbor who summoned him to come help, sorry for the loss of your friend and neighbor. I pray God gives you all comfort in the days ahead.

[@yianisav9488]

He did the right thing.

[@carly4513]

I live in active black bear territory. Sightings are common. My neighbor had one in her garage recently. My friend just posted a Nest video of a bear coming up onto her porch. I have had to modify my behavior, mostly in that I can't walk alone in my wooded neighborhood any more.

[@keithsparling5537]

A good neighbor for sure! Sad, but it does happen. R.I.P. GOD BLESS ALL

[@charleschi843]

Thanks for repeatedly highlighting the fact that he ran 50 yards. 50 yards.

[@jsmcguireIII]

There is more to this story. Was the bear acclimated to humans because he was being fed? Was trash left out and available to bears?

[@michaelhoran407]

Another example of humans displacing bears from their habitat and killing them.

[@mungodegrijalva822]

Here's your answer to why the bear attacked: he was hungry. RIP Steven Jackson. Great job under pressure David Montano.

[@Norm-ih2rq]

The tent was a bad move in retrospect.

[@maureenblutekraus3561]

Omg this poor guy. R.i.p

[@ellenfarmer3498]

And what exactly does montano do for the government?🤔

[@crisis-cast]

he is a Bootlicker.

[@bridgetmcgiggles4528]

He was an accountant

[@kevind1980]

Ya if it was military why not just say military. He looks too dumb to be in a 3 letter organization. I bet he used to work for Game & Fish.

[@colorocko1]

do you have a conspiracy theory?

[@Ourtrailadventures]

Right to bear arms. Not infringed.

[@beverleytinker2318]

Too bad this subject is so over blown

[@missymarie2698]

I hope those whom are idiots who claim black bears aren’t aggressive… Learn from this.

[@notw333]

Amen.

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

They won't, just as those in charge keep fasely claiming that no fatal attacks have happened for 30 years.

[@abandonexplorations3896]

​@@viperbroncoalmastyI live up in Prescott and I was almost attacked by a bear I had to climb on top of a Hummer and jump in the sunroof and get guns luckily I was quicker because I knew the property more than the bear.

[@furyofbongos]

Humans are just as much a part of nature as bears and that habitat the bear was in is also human habitat. We can and do live together. This kind of rare event is inevitable.

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

You are correct and not correct, it is not that rare, encounters are on the rise. Or possibly are being reported more often by media now, than in the past.

[@furyofbongos]

@@viperbroncoalmasty Being killed by a black bear is "not that rare?" Show me the data.

[@mhe8545]

You are living in their world. Feel sorry for the man and his family but you are in bear country building your houses. This guy is noticeably shaken by the whole thing. Something he won’t forget.

[@hvyduty1220]

Sad he didnt get to save this gentleman.....

[@annaowens7053]

So very tragic this man lost his life because of this bear that a neighbor shot the bear trying to save his neighbor. So sorry to hear this sad news. Prayers for family.

[@chuckruffing6283]

It took a man with a gun....

[@lawson9102]

It always does even if some people don't want to admit it

[@gabell727]

Its not at all unusual for a bear to attack.

[@melissasantillana3218]

😢

[@jack1etreehorn286]

Rifle Caliber used?

[@BakitracinTugungu]

If this was Payson, that bear would first try to steal neighbor's Cessna while drunk.

[@asanablue]

This is three weeks ago in Prescott?

[@dennisxavier9513]

Now this bear knows what "Try that in a small town" means.

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

A neighbor has to go to someone elses home to find someone with a firearm. Living in bear country is what it is. Not having a powerful handgun, shotgun or rifle close at hand, is a seriously bad idea.

[@AB-vc7ox]

And there will still be people who insist guns are unnecessary.

[@-108-]

Just 1 question: If the victim, God rest his soul, was an expert in survival and in living in the mountains, why wasn't he armed when the bear attack occurred? THAT should be the #1 lesson gleaned from this situation, for everyone on the mountain: ALWAYS BE ARMED AND NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN IN THE WILDERNESS.

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

Didn't say, but he may have been asleep when he got attacked. He was sleeping in a tent. Might have been dragged from his tent and not had a chance to grab his firearm. Like said, it didn't say. Bears hunt early evenings, at night through early morning. Although they are opportunistic hunters, they see a meal they will go for it, no matter what time of day.

[@-108-]

@@viperbroncoalmasty Bears are the most frightening of all animals - Bears & lions. They're literally killing machines. Once u get caught off guard, you're all done. I read a story about a guy who was eaten alive by a bear, and survived. He literally laid there watching the bear eat parts of him. like 20 years ago or so.

[@gijane880]

I'm usually for animals, but when it comes to life and death of a human, we have to do, what we have to do!

[@onlyinthedark8089]

When she said she don't know why the bear attacked !!! 🤯🤯🤯 It's a wild animal it was hungry as humans we to attack when we're hungry.... My condolences to everyone involved... Survival of the fitis

[@j.whisper2379]

Living in the bears territory, bear just doing his thing!

[@richardlinn5512]

Has the neighbor bought a Rifle Yet to Protect his Own Family ?

[@lgwappo]

If I lived around bears I wouldn't go outside without bear spray & a S&W 500 magnum revolver.

[@maryjojouwstra3860]

I don’t like bears! For this very reason.

[@NPCHSN]

Anybody know what caliber he used?

[@frankreyes4]

Great respect in the comments. Thanks

[@Automedon2]

There have been 18 deaths by black bears in the lower 48 states over the last 100 years. Contrary to popular belief, they were not females with cubs and almost all were male bears. Female black bears are very timid and are more likely to flee and leave the cubs behind. Grizzlies and black bears have completely different temperaments. Black bear attacks are mostly territorial and females are not territorial. Grizzlies are predatory and kill to eat the victim. We have a large population of black bears in Massachusetts and there has never been a recorded attack in the state. Just a few facts, but not a pleasant way to die, regardless.

[@Whatnok]

Maybe just maybe that’s a sign to stay away from their territory!!!!

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

No, Black bears will stalk and eat humans. Grizzlies will also. People think blackies are timid and won't eat them. Too many people go missing in the wilderness. There have been more than 18 deaths in the last 100 years. Maybe only 18 in Massachusetts. If they told people everything bad that happens in the woods people would either stop going to the woods, Or demand that something be done. They would loose to much revenue, if people stopped going out. If a black bear attacks fight with everything you got or get eaten. If you are by yourself and get eaten there is a very good chance they will not find any evidence of your fate. And you will just be another missing 411 report.

[@oneonly8090]

Why kill the bear!!!! The bear is at his house !!! He acted like anyone would react to an intruder in their house, poor bear!!! 😢

[@Namitabora346]

🙏

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

First neighbor did not have a rifle so he had to go to another neighbor who had one. Guess who will now get in line at a gun store?

[@oldschoolrunescape-demonan2015]

THE RANGER SAID SHE HAS NO IDEA WHY THE BEAR ATTACKED LOL ITS A FUCKING BEAR IT EATS MEAT!!!

[@scottwright388]

I think the bear may have been attracted to this man's coffee initially. He may have even spilled it all over himself...coffee flavored meat.

[@maryjojouwstra3860]

I’ve read that The Black Bear is the one that attacks humans to kill them.

[@Photo4Corners]

Unfortunately, these type of encounters from larger wild animals will occur more often due to drought and lack of food as result. A woman near my home in Durango, CO was also killed north of that town a few years ago. Her body was being consumed by a momma bear and her cubs on a spring evening, most likely due to lack of food and people feeding bears. DO NOT FEED THEM and keep trash bins locked, as they become quickly dependent & aggressive towards humans.

[@EasytheGoon]

Not one gun grabber in the comments of this video.

[@vikramgupta2326]

What kind of rifle/ caliber was used?

[@omarx2449]

I’m guessing if he’s bigger than the average bear he must’ve been hungry.

[@walterkersting9922]

They usually try to blame the human and insinuate the human was stupid, which I guess makes them feel superior?

[@toddgilmore118]

Nothing like having to dramatically justify why he had to defend himself and others!!

[@Erin-uz2gf]

In the related video, they interviewed the expert who did the necropsy on the bear, and she said that it was a very large and very healthy bear. It had plenty of body fat, so it didn't look to be hungry. It was most likely just an opportunity taken by a wild animal. There's nothing uncommon about that. The bears next meal was not guaranteed. But knowing that doesn't make it any less shocking and horrifying. A part of me wonders if the man and bear had crossed paths in the recent past, since the man had been there for a long time building his home, and essentially living out of his vehicle. Maybe the bear felt threatened by or territorial towards the man. I don't know, who can say, just something I've thought about. Maybe it's my way of trying to make sense of something that's beyond imagination. I pray that his community heals from this terrible experience.

[@pilarq7886]

Bears attracted to coffee smell he was out in the open drinking coffee.a bear can smell you Two miles away without coffee

[@JohnnyBallou]

Although probably no one will believe the opinion of this 75 yr old retired park Ranger, but I suspect the bear was a " man-eater"! (It may have learned this from finding bodies, possibly of deceased migrants or homeless. No offense to anyone!)

[@Erin-uz2gf]

@@JohnnyBallou you could be right! something just feels off about this encounter. But I'm no expert.

[@viperbroncoalmasty]

Bear might have been stalking him for awhile.

[@lumberjaxe8910]

Yes the bear probably roamed through this area before development, and a altercation has happened with this man. Look at the dog behind the fence scenario. Tease the dog and its very aggresive when ever you walk passed, as for the other person that ignores the dog, the dog remains calm. Animals don't forget and are territorial. Animals world wide are becoming jacked at losing their territory do you blame them.

[@leslieguinn6157]

Mr. 10mm with Double Tap would have stopped Mr. Bear lol..🤭

[@nick7057]

Hero.

[@teenamalanga5342]

Poor guy 😢

[@coollectionFun]

Terrible, he tried and did his best and that’s all you can do. Rip

[@higherlifts420]

People keep expanding and building into the forest aka these animals homes. The animals have no where to go but into town

[@eurika7655]

Prayers go out to the family's and community. Thank god for the 2nd amendment Thank god a for the rifleman.

[@timknepper1041]

When you move into wildlifes home don't expect less.

[@alienslovebeef2540]

My question is, what brought that bear in?

[@AustriaGermany]

never try to figure out what a animal does