California hunter mauled by bear after shooting it with arrow

A man was reportedly mauled by a black bear while hunting with a bow-and-arrow in Southern California on Friday. A man was reportedly mauled by a black bear while hunting with a bow-and-arrow in Southern California on Friday. Photo: Brian Melley / Associated Press Photo: Brian Melley / Associated Press Image 1 of / 17 Caption Close California hunter mauled by bear after shooting it with arrow 1 / 17 Back to Gallery

A man was reportedly mauled by a black bear while hunting with a bow-and-arrow in Southern California.

Three unidentified individuals were legally hunting bear in the San Bernardino Mountains of Riverside County Friday when the attack occurred, local media reported.

The victim apparently struck a black bear with an arrow and, thinking he had killed the approximately 300-pound animal, left his perch to look closer.

"When he ran up to the bear, the bear attacked him and it mauled him severely," Patrick Foy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife told ABC7. Foy's department is investigating the incident.

The man was hospitalized with serious injuries. His condition is unknown as of Tuesday. The bear died from its wounds.

Hunting black bears with bows-and-arrows is legal between late August and early September. Hunters must obtain a license and a bear tag to do so.

According to Foy, who could not be reached for comment, black bear attacks are incredibly rare.

He told ABC7: "We've had a few cases over the last few years of bears, but nothing to this degree."

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

Read Michelle Robertson's latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.

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