Last week Wednesday around 1AM Forest Defender and tree-sitter known as “Tree” was injured upon coming in contact with a black bear in the Freshwater area tree village known as Fern Gully.
Tree became spooked when on the ground in the dark when the bear huffed and began advancing on the activist. As the activist speedily retreated from danger, his headlamp broke which resulted in a fall down a steep hill, resulting in a broken wrist.
The next morning after swelling and inflammation became overwhelming, Tree knew that his arm was broken. Within an hour, Tree was picked up and brought to the Mad River Medical Community Hospital where he was treated and released that same day.
Even with a broken arm, Tree is confident and determined more than ever to remain involved in the defense of threatened forests. “It was my time to be on the soil. Everything happens for a reason,” Tree said. He looks forward to getting back up in a tree within 2 months. Until then, he’ll remain on the ground supporting other forest defenders.
Tree- good luck to you!