News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Fate of Bear That Killed Trainer Decided (Update 4)

Fate of Bear That Killed Trainer Decided (Update 4)

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, April 23, 2008

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Update — Wednesday 2:10 p.m.

San Bernardino, CA — San Bernardino County has determined the fate of Rocky, the Grizzly bear that killed a trainer at Predators In Action in Big Bear.

In a prepared statement issued by the county, it has been announced "the county does not plan to seek the destruction of the animal."

The fate of Rocky, a Grizzly bear that killed a trainer at Predators in Action in Big Bear, has been announced by San Bernardino County. The county has decided not to seek the destruction of the bear. Rocky appeared in the movie "Semi-Pro" starring Will Ferrell. (Photo by Semi-Pro.)

Update — Wednesday 9:05 a.m.

Big Bear City, CA – The fate of the 700-pound Grizzly bear that killed trainer Stephan Miller, 39, at the Predators in Action compound near Big Bear Tuesday afternoon is uncertain at this time. A determination had not been made early Wednesday morning which agency will decide the bear's fate.

The 5-year-old bear, Rocky, bit Miller on the neck shortly before 3 p.m. yesterday causing fatal injuries to the experienced animal trainer. Miller is the cousin of the compound's owner Randy Miller.

Rocky recently appeared in the Will Ferrell movie, "Semi-Pro," appearing to wrestle the comedian with Predators in Action's Randy Miller doubling for Ferrell.

San Bernardino County Battalion Chief Marc Peebles told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net once the bear was sprayed with pepper spray it immediately returned to its enclosure.

"Big Bear City Fire's Traumatic Response Team brought in two chaplains to counsel Predators in Action employees, including owner Randy Miller, and family members," Peebles stated. "They were there in just a matter of minutes to assist the workers and family with this tragedy."

Update — Wednesday 4:25 a.m.

Big Bear City, CA — The trainer at Predators In Action, a Big Bear City wild animal compound, that died from injuries sustained during an attack by a Grizzly bear has been identified.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff/Coroner has identified the victim as 39-year-old Stephan Miller of Canyon Country.

Update — Tuesday 4:45 p.m.

Onyx Summit, CA – A 39-year-old male trainer at Predators In Action was attacked by a five-year-old Grizzly bear shortly before 3 p.m. today and succumbed to his injuries, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Public Information Officer Tracey Martinez told RIMOFTHEWORLD.net there were three Predators In Action trainers working inside a secure training area when for some unknown reason the bear ran and bit the victim in the neck.

The other two handlers, who were not injured, pepper sprayed the bear and it stopped attacking the trainer.

Big Bear City Fire Department personnel were first responders and attempted CPR on the victim but their efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead shortly after 3 p.m.

Original Story — 3:35 p.m.

Onyx Summit, CA – At 2:55 p.m. today, San Bernardino County Fire paramedics responded to an reported incident at Predators In Action, a wild animal compound, on Rainbow Lane in the Barton Flats area possibly involving a bear.

Initial scanner reports indicate the call was for a neck injury possibly caused by a bear at the animal compound. A call to the Big Bear Sheriff's office confirmed they were also responding to a possible "bear bite."

"At 3:03 p.m., paramedics reported the victim did not survive the attack," according to Tiffany Swantek from the Big Bear Sheriff's Department. "The San Bernardino County Coroner has been summoned to the scene."

According to the Predators in Action web site, the company that provides trained exotic animals for films, television, commercials and other "has a perfect safety record with absolutely no accidents or mishaps."

The site claims to have built its business on delivering radical action and reportedly had mastered the technique of training and controlling exotic animals on any work project.

The animal compound resides on several hundred acres near Onyx Summit.

For additional information visit http://www.predatorsinaction.com/.

This article was first published on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at 12:00 am. This article has been viewed 4574 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.