Man Says He Was Attacked by a Bear Outside His Home, Terrifying Video Shows the Animal Charging Toward Him

A Florida man’s encounter with a bear outside his home in Apopka, Orange County, turned into a harrowing experience as he claims he was attacked by the animal. Alexander Rojas, 23, shared details of the incident, stating that he was leaving for work early in the morning on August 15 when he was confronted by two young black bears. According to reports from local news outlets WESH 2 and USA Today, Rojas described how the bear bit his arm and clawed his rib cage before he managed to escape.

Ring camera footage captured the terrifying moment as Rojas stepped onto his front porch and was charged at by one of the bears. The video, which was shared with WESH 2, ends just before the bear reaches him. Recounting the ordeal, Rojas said, “For some odd reason, he turned around, did more stutter steps toward me and bit my arm and then clawed my rib cage. I was able to kick his feet out and knock him in the nose.” Following the attack, Rojas sought refuge at a neighbor’s house and called his girlfriend, who assisted him as he was bleeding from his injuries.

Rojas mentioned that he received tetanus and rabies shots at the ER after the incident. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently investigating the matter. While PEOPLE reached out to the Commission for a comment but did not receive an immediate response. Rojas elaborated on the attack in a GoFundMe set up by his sister to help with his medical expenses. He explained the split-second decision he had to make when faced with the bears and how he managed to evade both animals in the heat of the moment.

The GoFundMe campaign, aimed at covering Rojas’s medical costs, has raised over $1,100 towards its $3,500 goal as of August 30. Rojas expressed concern about potential nerve or tendon damage in his forearm due to the bear bite. Emphasizing that he did not harm or kill any of the bears during the encounter, Rojas shared his experience to raise community awareness about wildlife encounters. He highlighted that his goal in sharing the incident was solely to inform and educate others about the importance of understanding and respecting wildlife.

The close call with the bear serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of being cautious and prepared when living in areas where such encounters are possible. Rojas’s bravery in the face of danger demonstrated quick thinking and the ability to make split-second decisions that potentially saved him from more severe injuries. The community’s support through the GoFundMe campaign reflects the solidarity and care shown towards Rojas in overcoming the traumatic experience.

As Rojas continues to recover from the bear attack, his story serves as a cautionary tale about coexisting with wildlife and the importance of being vigilant in areas where encounters with animals are likely. By sharing his encounter, Rojas hopes to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future. Through the collective support and goodwill of those who have contributed to his fundraiser, Rojas can focus on his recovery and healing process after the frightening incident.