Three-year-old Casey Hathaway disappeared in Ernul, North Carolina, the scene of this tragic event. He never came back after leaving the house to play with his friends. The child was underdressed, and the temperature dropped. Drones and planes were swiftly sent out by the rescue team to start the search.
For their own safety, rescuers encouraged volunteers to end the activity as the temperature continued to drop. Eventually, in the evening, the child started crying. Among thorny shrubs, Casey was found wet and cold but otherwise uninjured except for a few scrapes.
The child then disclosed that he had a bear friend in the forest who provided him with assistance and warmth. The toddler asked the rescuers for a drink and pleaded to be taken to his mother. When he related the exact bear incident to his aunt, she assumed the child’s survival was due to divine intervention.
The toddler had to wade through icy water that was about shoulder-high for adults, according to a statement made by Sheriff Chip Hughes afterward. The toddler, who is only a meter tall, has no idea how she was able to swim there.
Black bears, especially the American black bear, are widespread in this region. Avoiding humans would be preferable to attacking them.
