Thurman Hensley and three of his friends went out in these woods near grottoes to hunt around nine thirty this morning. When they were out there, Hensley spotted a bear, then shot it.

When he went up to the bear to check it, he thought the animal was dead but the bear jumped up and attacked him. Hensley's friend, Thurman Sorrells says he's surprised by the attack since Hensley is an experienced hunter.

What happened today, I just don't understand what happened today because he's smarter than most people about bear hunting.

According to the Augusta County game warden, Hensley was brought to a neighbor's home shortly after the attack. From there, he air lifted to UVA Medical Center with serious injuries.

The game warden says when Hensley was being attacked, the other hunters with him shot and killed the bear. Hours after the attack, the bear was brought out of the woods by the game warden. The animal will now be tested for rabies. Sorrels is just hoping his friend will recover from his injuries.

He's a real good friend of mine. I hope he gets well real quick because hunting season comes in on Saturday and he'll be back in the woods if he's able to.