North Texan Mauled By Bear Expected To Recover
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PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - A North Texas man who was attacked by a brown bear while hunting moose in Alaska on Tuesday is expected to make a recovery.
Investigators said Greg Matthews was hunting with his brother when a female bear with her cubs nearby pounced on Matthews.
"Honestly, all I could think about was thank you God for saving my husband," said Rhea Matthews, the victim's wife.
Rhea Matthews spoke with her husband on the phone Wednesday while he recovered in the hospital in Alaska. She said he has several lacerations but there are zero puncture wounds.
The attack occurred in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge near Skilak Lake, which is about three hours south of Anchorage.
"By every right, he probably should be dead. But he's not. He's here for a reason," said Matthews. "He's very prepared in everything he does. So between him and his brother, they were just really prepared for anything."
Neighbors inside the Plano neighborhood the Matthews call home were stunned to hear about the attack.
"He's a tough trooper and I'm glad he's still with us today," said Jarrod Shaw, a family friend.
Rhea Matthews does not plan to travel to Alaska just yet. She is hoping her husband can return to Plano soon and begin his recovery.
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