Sasquatch Chronicles Blog

Jan 25

Did a bear help save boy missing for nearly 3 days?

Family says 3-year-old Casey Hathaway told them he was protected by a bear. A 3-year-old North Carolina boy, Casey Hathaway, who disappeared for nearly three days before authorities found him last night, is said to be “doing good” as he recovers in the hospital.

“He’s good! He’s up and talking. He’s already asked to watch Netflix,” Casey’s mom, Brittany, said during a Thursday night press conference. “So he’s good, he is good.”

 

According to ABC 11, family members said the boy indicated a bear became his new friend and helped him get through the days and nights while missing. Although it’s unclear whether it’s actually true or his imagination, loved ones are just relieved and happy the boy is alive and safe.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, authorities found Casey tangled up in briars and thorn patches, near Toler and Aurora Roads, close to his grandmother’s Craven County home, not far from where he disappeared from on Tuesday afternoon while outside playing. He’s been transported to the Carolina East Medical Center in New Bern for a medical evaluation.

Craven County Sheriff Chip Hughes said during Thursday night’s press conference that authorities had to go through some water to get to the boy, who was found in wet clothes with his jacket on, still zipped up, after a nearby neighbor heard him crying out. The sheriff said Casey was asking for his mother when found.

Hughes also touched on the possibility that someone may have abducted the boy, then had a change of heart and dropped him off in an area where searchers would find him. The sheriff said he had no evidence that Casey was taken by anyone. “Absolutely not,” Hughes said. “At no time did we see any indications of an abduction and, you know, to take that a little further, that’s why an AMBER Alert was not put out. There were no signs of abduction. Believe me, had there been the slightest, we would have done that.”

 

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32 Responses to “Did a bear help save boy missing for nearly 3 days?”

    • Knobby

      The article certainly says that, and another one I read said it too. The news you listened to may have decided not to report it for whatever reason, like it didn’t make sense or sound reasonable.

    • David W

      The kid did tell family members that he was helped by his “New bear friend” and was iit was in the news a few days after the boy was safe at home. Here is the odd thing. The police can not figure out how the boy survived for 3 nights in 20-35degree temps. BUT HE DID! IT IS ALL OVER THE NEWD DOWN HERE IN THE SOUTH!

  5. Barry M

    If this was true and in a week or two bigfoot sightings went up then they discover a big foot. Maybe this would change people’s perception of them and we can all get along

  9. Joe D

    I have always thought that these creatures were naturally predatory when it came to children.

    While nothing will ever convince me that they are ‘our gentle woods-brothers’, I am willing to admit that some of them may harbor a natural maternal instinct regardless of the difference in species. Much like the female gorilla back in 96 who helped a young boy who fell into her cage.

    Btw. It sounds like this boy’s mother believes the ‘bear’ story. On of the stories quotes her as “He said he hung out with a bear for two days,” she posted. “God sent him a friend to keep him safe. God is (a) good God. Miracles do happen.”

  10. Bob V

    Hello,

    I know the FBI was on the case. Can’t say how I know. It’s interesting the FBI was on the case and like a few others said every point of a 411 account was here.

    Bob

  14. Shane M

    Number one the most important is he’s safe and alive. God bless.
    There are many more questions than answers.
    Why was F.B.I. involved when there wasn’t even an Amber Alert released?
    Local authorities stated there were no signs of this or fowl play. Why was this child found in such good health? And in pretty good mental health to boot.??? So many questions.
    I’m sure this little boy has a story to tell none the less. I hope one day we may just get the chance to here it. Who knows? Maybe one day here on Sasquatch Chronicles.

  15. LaVonne J

    I’m so glad this was a happy outcome, as many prayers were said and answered. Honestly, after 3 days in the NC ‘coastal’ winter I was concerned. I’m in the mountains in the western part of NC where it’s been in the single digits and below with wind. The coast can be damp and swampy. There HAVE been squatch sightings in that county, one historical where the squatch tried to make off with two little girls about 1875 I think. There have been more current sightings as well. What’s more worrisome though, are cases of DM sightings on our east coast region.

    A 600+ pound bear was just killed in November 2018. So….who knows. Our bears in WNC hibernate now, but I’m not familiar with them on or near the coast. Honestly I didn’t think there were any that far east and definitely not a monster over 600 lbs! If a bear or a squatch had wanted a meal it coulda taken him from the brambles and thorns. But the report says the rescuer had to go thru water to get to him, and Casey was still wet, so it makes me wonder if he had only been stuck in the brambles for a short time, but lost and wandering the other 2 days with his ‘bear’. Sure wish somebody could ask him the right questions before his memory fades. Also…..the Nuese River area is fairly close AND it’s close to the spooky Croatan Forest. You remember that…..the Lost Colony? All in all, a great outcome. However…..grandma would NEVER be allowed to watch my kid again.

  16. Cindy S

    I wondered if the “ Bear” had placed him in the briars and left when the Rescue guys were closing in! The briars would have protected him from any predators in the moments until they could reach him… just a thought!

    • Jeff M

      Wow, very cool observation… didn’t think about that.
      Definitely do not believe it was a bear, haha like the Jungle Book.
      Glad he’s with his family 🙂

  18. Kris T

    The use of animal skins for trickery, hunting and other human activities is an age old, proven skill. First Nations, early Finn and many European tribes used animal skins to assist with all kinds of survival actions. Blending in, driving, spotting, moving, ambushing, etc.

    My first thought on this little boy was that some whack job in a skin was up to something nefarious, and for whatever reason (transport problems, logistics, handoff had the flu?), could not complete the kidnap.

    Yeah, bear my *ss.

  21. Darrell O

    I also found this fascinating. I checked his Aunts Facebook account and verified the bear keeping him company statement and sure enough it is legit. Her name is Breanna Hathaway so check it out for yourself. I also noticed that on a recent post she was talking about things Casey liked and mentioned Masha and the Bear. I am familiar with this Russian kids show because it is my granddaughters favorite. Basic premise is a little girl hangs out with a bear. This time of year the majority of bears should be hibernating. Maybe watching that show made him comfortable with a giant hairy creature that walks on two legs like Masha’s Bear does! I would love to do a forensic interview with this little guy along with a photo lineup.

  22. Tim F

    Hmmm, Boy saved by a bear. Highly unlikely. How would a 3 yr. old describe a Sasquatch?? A bear I would think. Or this is how the authorities put the story out.
    How many times have we heard the authorities say, “You saw a bear”, “You shot a bear”. “Ms. Jones down the street there, shot and killed a bear out of season.” ?? Things that make ya go “Hmmmm”.

  23. David W

    The kid did tell family members that he was helped by his “New bear friend” and was iit was in the news a few days after the boy was safe at home. Here is the odd thing. The police can not figure out how the boy survived for 3 nights in 20-35degree temps. BUT HE DID! IT IS ALL OVER THE NEWD DOWN HERE IN THE SOUTH!

  24. Jennifer J

    There are historical reports of BF sightings within 2 miles of where he disappeared. And there’s no way he would have survived those temps for that long (especially in a swamp) without some kind of help. Also, don’t bears hibernate this time of year?

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