{"id":2654647,"date":"2026-09-04T13:41:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T17:41:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/senior-citizen-dies-in-new-mexico-home-after-aggressive-black-bear-home-invasion\/"},"modified":"2026-09-04T13:43:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T17:43:00","slug":"senior-citizen-dies-in-new-mexico-home-after-aggressive-black-bear-home-invasion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/senior-citizen-dies-in-new-mexico-home-after-aggressive-black-bear-home-invasion\/","title":{"rendered":"Senior Citizen Dies in New Mexico Home After Aggressive Black Bear Home Invasion"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fsenior-citizen-dies-in-new-mexico-home-after-aggressive-black-bear-home-invasion%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2654647&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>A man from New Mexico named Benjamin Halona,aged 67,was tragically killed in his home after being mauled by a bear. The attack occurred on August 20th while he was alone at his residence on the Navajo Nation in Crystal, New Mexico. His family, including his sister gloria and niece Samantha, described him as a strong, happy person who had <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/nba-hall-of-famer-kareem-abdul-jabbar-rushed-to-hospital-by-paramedics\/\" title=\"NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rushed to hospital by paramedics\">recently faced health struggles<\/a> and the loss of his wife.<\/p>\n<p>The incident happened when his stepson, Casey, returned home and found the bear inside the house after it had entered through an open door. Casey managed to escape and called for help, leading authorities to shoot and kill the bear after it fled into the woods. The family was distressed by the scene and the circumstances of his death.<\/p>\n<p>The Navajo Nation\u2019s Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a statement confirming the bear was wounded and later killed, emphasizing that black bears are wild animals that can be unpredictable and dangerous. They advised the public on safety precautions, such as not approaching bears, making oneself look large, and fighting back if attacked. The attack highlights the risks associated with living in bear habitats and the importance of caution around wildlife.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><br \/>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\"><br \/>\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><html><body><\/p>\n<section> \t\t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (AC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC1)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC2)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC3)\")<\/script><script>console.log(\"ad slot (IC4)\")<\/script><\/p>\n<p>A New Mexico man was killed last month in his own home after he was mauled to death by a bear, and his family is now speaking out about the life he led before his death.<\/p>\n<p>Benjamin Halona, 67, died on August 20th after the attack, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/2026\/sep\/02\/new-mexico-man-fatal-bear-attack\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">according<\/a> to an article published by The Guardian on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>His sister, Gloria Halona, and her daughter, Samantha Vandever, said he became a widower back in February and was struggling with health issues. They also want people to remember him for his commitment and career as a firefighter, rather than how he died.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe was a really strong person,\u201d Gloria said during a telephone interview. \u201cAnd, even though he didn\u2019t have a lot, he was happy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Halona was alone at home in the Navajo Nation community of Crystal, New Mexico, after his stepson Casey went to the post office. When Casey returned to the residence, he noticed the door was open, and there was a bear inside.<\/p>\n<p>Casey was able to escape to a nearby room and barricaded himself inside before he used his cell phone to call for help.<\/p>\n<p>He also contacted Gloria and Vandever, who saw the bear as they drove over to help. The bear eventually ran but was ultimately shot by authorities, The Guardian reported.<\/p>\n<p>Halona\u2019s family found a \u201chorrific scene\u201d after looking inside the house, with Vandever saying \u201cit was a lot for us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe endured a lot in his life \u2014 especially during his death,\u201d she added. \u201cAnd we\u2019re all heartbroken that this had to happen to him.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fweb.facebook.com%2Fpermalink.php%3Fstory_fbid%3Dpfbid02pu3TXipcDweqfJEY5afgXu8MpH3Nk4GT8xS4GSaZbRsNQir2Qe9PCs18698xbZAGl%26id%3D61558535482238&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"250\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>The Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a statement last month on social media about the attack a few days after Halona\u2019s death.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe bear was shot and wounded by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/suspect-arrested-in-shooting-outside-border-area-texas-casino\/\" title=\"Suspect Arrested in Shooting Outside Border Area Texas Casino\">responding law enforcement officers<\/a> but fled into nearby woods,\u201d the post read. \u201cResponders later located and neutralized the bear. The victim died from injuries sustained in the attack.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNNDFW extends its deepest condolences to the victim\u2019s family, loved ones, and the Crystal community during this difficult time,\u201d the statement continued.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, it warned citizens about black bears being \u201cwild animals and should always be considered unpredictable and potentially dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBear attacks on people are uncommon, but any bear may defend itself or become aggressive. Never approach, feed, follow, or attempt to photograph a bear at close range,\u201d it concluded.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf you encounter a bear: Do not run. Face the bear and back away slowly, giving it a clear route to leave. If the bear approaches, stand your ground, make yourself look large, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/watch-florida-man-fights-off-black-bear-on-porch-saves-dogs\/\" title=\"WATCH: Florida ... Fights Off Black ... on Porch, Saves Dogs\">make loud noises<\/a>. Keep children close and dogs leashed. Do not allow a dog to chase or confront a bear. If a black bear attacks, fight back using anything available.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #171717; display: flex;font-size: 16px;font-weight: 600;line-height: 1.5;margin: 24px 0;padding: 18px 20px 18px 30px;text-align: left;\">\n<div style=\"align-self: stretch;border-left: 3px solid #171717;flex-shrink: 0;padding-left: 20px;\"><\/div>\n<p><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/\">Choose The Western Journal as your preferred source on Google and never miss reporting that defends truth, protects freedom, and advances Western civilization<\/a><\/div>\n<p style=\"border: 1px solid #f5f5f5; padding: 16px;\">Advertise with The Western Journal and reach millions of <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >highly engaged readers<\/a>, while supporting our work. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/advertise-us\/?wj_source=article\">Advertise Today<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"position: relative;\">\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\"> \t\t\t \t<\/div>\n<div class=\"entry-submit-correction inner-content\">\n<div class=\"correction-form\">\n<form style=\"display: none;\">\n<div class=\"sc-name-field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* Name<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"name\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc--field\"> \t\t\t\t\t\t<label>* <\/label> \t\t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" name=\"\" required> \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<label>* Message<\/label> \t\t\t\t\t<br \/> \t\t\t\t\t<textarea name=\"message\" required><\/textarea> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"required-message\" style=\"display: none; padding-bottom: 15px;\">* All fields are required.<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"submit\" value=\"Submit\" onclick=\"event.preventDefault(); firefly_sc();\"> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"firefly-sc-confirm\" style=\"display: none;\">Success!<\/div>\n<\/p><\/form>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> \t\t<script> \t\t\tfunction firefly_sc() { \t\t\t\tif( typeof window.captchaPublicKey == typeof undefined ){ \t\t\t\t\tconsole.error('window.captchaPublicKey is not defined'); \t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\tgrecaptcha.execute( window.captchaPublicKey, { action: 'submit_correction' } ).then( function( token ) { \t\t\t\t\tvar opts = { \t\t\t\t\t\taction:    'firefly_sc_submit', \t\t\t\t\t\tname:      document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"name\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\t:     document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tmessage:   document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"message\"]' ).value, \t\t\t\t\t\tpost_id:   firefly_post_id, \t\t\t\t\t\tcap_token: token \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tvar inputs = [ 'name', '', 'message' ];  \t\t\t\t\tfor( var i = 0; i < inputs.length; i++ ) if( ! ( opts[inputs[i]] = document.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction [name=\"' + inputs[i] + '\"]' ).value ) ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .required-message' ).style.display = 'block'; \t\t\t\t\t\treturn; \t\t\t\t\t}  \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction input[type=\"submit\"]' ).style.display = 'none'; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).src = firefly_loading_gif_url; \t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display = 'inline-block';  \t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( 'ma subbing' );  \t\t\t\t\tif( firefly_post_id ) opts['post_id'] = firefly_post_id;  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Send the data using post with element id name and name2*\/ \t\t\t\t\tvar posting = jQuery.post( firefly_ajax_url, opts );  \t\t\t\t\t\/* Alerts the results *\/ \t\t\t\t\tposting.done( function( response ) { \t\t\t\t\t\tif( response.success ) { \t\t\t\t\t\t\tconsole.log( response.data ); \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-submitting-img' ).style.display = 'none'; \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdocument.querySelector( '.entry-submit-correction .firefly-sc-confirm' ).style.display = 'block';  \t\t\t\t\t\t\tdataLayer.push( { 'event': 'submit-correction' } ); \t\t\t\t\t\t} \t\t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t\t}); \t\t\t} \t\t<\/script> \t     \t\t\t\t\t\t     \t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p> \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t<script>console.log(\"ad slot (BA1)\")<\/script> \t\t<\/p>\n<div class=\"ff-fancy-header-container\"> \t\t\t \t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/body><\/html><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A New Mexico man, Benjamin Halona, 67, was killed last month in his home after a bear attack. His family shares his life story before the tragedy<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2654648,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ben-Working-Feature-Image-2026-09-04T115644.571.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[85136,85137,63530,85138],"class_list":["post-2654647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-black-bear-invasion","tag-new-mexico-news","tag-senior-citizen","tag-wildlife-attack"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.westernjournal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Ben-Working-Feature-Image-2026-09-04T115644.571.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2654647","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2654647"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2654647\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2654651,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2654647\/revisions\/2654651"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2654648"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2654647"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2654647"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2654647"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}