Thanks for that post with the link to the news story. My son was stationed there about two years ago but he is now in Camp Pendleton. I have been concerned about these attacks. I did not tell my wife about this one, two attacks makes a pattern. Her worry won't help a thing, so I am sparing her that.
I saw a road kill Black bear in West Virginia, it was my first and only. I went back to look again and took a picture too. Terrible shame that it happened but it does happen.
18 months sounds like the characteristic failure of Harbor Freight's cheap-o Chinese tools. I, like another commenter, bought a tumbler from Midway. I have had it for at least fifteen years with no trouble. That is what a tumbler should do. Good luck with your repair.