A 12-year-old boy in Washington state sustained injuries after defending himself from a black bear in a confrontation at his family’s property. Robin Westgate encountered the aggressive bear Sunday evening while retrieving a bowl from the backyard orchard of his home in Bellingham.

According to accounts, the boy and the bear startled each other, prompting the mother bear—protective of her cub—to charge at Westgate twice. During the attack, the bear inflicted puncture wounds on his hip and bit his wrist. In response, Westgate fought back by striking the animal’s eye with his hand and thumb.

“This was a fight or die situation,” Westgate said, describing the encounter. His quick reaction is credited with helping him fend off the bear and avoid more serious harm.

Following the incident, the family announced plans to carry bear spray when spending time outdoors on their property. Authorities have not released further details on the animal involved or any follow-up measures taken in the area.