Two high school students were injured during a frightening bear attack while hiking in Washington State this week.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The incident occurred on June 16 on Mount Si, a popular hiking destination located roughly 30 miles east of downtown Seattle.
Authorities say the encounter involved a mother bear and her cub.
One teenager suffered scratches from the bear and was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Another hiker injured his ankle while attempting to flee the scene.
Bear Attack Injures Students During Washington Hike
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Police responded to reports of a bear attack on the mountain at approximately 1 p.m. local time.
According to officials, three hikers were on the trail when the encounter unfolded.
"Three hikers were approximately 2.7 miles up the Mt. Si trail at Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area when a black bear charged the group and swiped at one of the hikers," a statement read.
The King County Search and Rescue later confirmed that the animals involved were "reported to be a mama bear and cub."
According to PEOPLE, the hikers were basketball players from Auburn's Thomas Jefferson High School.
Hikers Describe Terrifying Encounter
Reports indicate that the teenager who was scratched by the bear became separated from the rest of the group during the attack.
His friends later said they could hear "a lot of screaming" as the frightening situation unfolded.
Fortunately, the teenager was able to escape and eventually reunite with his friends.
"The bear attacked one of the individuals, another was injured while fleeing, and the rest of the group scattered. An individual from this group and multiple nearby hikers called 911 for support," the statement added.
Authorities described the injured teen as "semi-ambulatory" and used an ATV to transport him down the mountain.
"His injuries were very minor, but he was of course terrified," King County Sheriff's Office deputy Peter Linde said. "The bear tossed him around a little bit, but nothing serious. He's on his way to the hospital right now to be checked out, get the wounds clean, and maybe get some antibiotics."
Officials also reported a second bear encounter in the area. Another group of hikers claimed they were "followed closely by a black bear for several miles."
As a precaution, the trail has been cleared and will remain closed until wildlife officials locate the animal.
