Plano Man Attacked By Bear In Alaska Speaks

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PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - Greg Matthews felt the jaws of a bear sink into his head as the claws of the massive animal dug into his back.

"I'm obviously fortunate to be alive. I came close to not being around," said Matthews.

The Plano resident was attacked by the female bear while hunting moose in Alaska with his brother Roger.

It was along the banks of Skilak Lake the Matthews came face-to-face with the bear and her cubs.

"I knew at that point that I was in trouble," said Matthews. "The last thing you want to do is try to outrun a bear."

As the bear charged at Greg, he somehow managed to get a single shot off and hit the bear in the mouth. The shot did not stop the animal.

"She hit me basically like an NFL football player. She just, ran right over me," said Matthews.

The shot likely saved his life. Thought the bears jaws were injured, teeth still remained.

"She was moving around. She went to bite my head again and then she picked me up by my back. And of course I was screaming," said Matthews.

His brother Roger heard the screams and ran over to shoot at the bear. Roger managed to strike the animal multiple times, where it then scampered off into the woods.

"My brother saved my life is the bottom line," said Matthews.

But Greg feels there was also a greater force at work. The doctors who treated him agree.

"They've all said there was an angel watching over us out there and that if God's going to spare me from that, he's got some things he needs me to take care of for him," said Matthews.

Inches away from death, Greg said the attack will not stop him from doing what he loves.

"We still have two more days left of the season. Not that anyone would let me, but I would like to go back," said Matthews.

Back to Plano is likely his next stop. He will return without a moose, but quite the story.

"It's a miracle that I'm still here," said Matthews.

Doctors suspect he will need some plastic surgery but feels he should make a full recovery.

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