Bellevue City Council member attacked by bear appears on Today Show; leaving hospital today

After nearly a month of recovery from a black bear attack on Lake Wenatchee, City Council Member John Chelminiak will be heading home this afternoon, he said on an appearance on NBC’s Today Show.

Chelminiak was attacked on Sept. 17 in the driveway of his vacation home in Lake Wenatchee.

Chelminiak suffered severe wounds to his face and upper body, and doctors had to remove his left eye.

Chelminiak was able to stay upright during the encounter until his wife Lynn Semler was able to dial 911 and scare the bear off until medical personnel could arrive on the scene.

Chelminiak said on the Today Show he looks forward to returning to his vacation home in the future.