A bear attack in Barron County, Wisconsin, has left a 69-year-old woman severely injured. According to FOX9, the incident was reported on Saturday afternoon near the town of Comstock. The response to the attack included local authorities, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) personnel.
The victim was able to call 911 and receive medical attention, with further updates on her condition not immediately available. Agencies are currently attempting to safely locate and trap the bear. A bear cub was sighted in a tree near the incident, leading officials to speculate that a mother bear may have been involved, possibly acting in defense of her cub. According to jsonline.com, traps have been set to euthanize the bear for analysis should it be captured.
WISN reports that wildlife officials have yet to determine what precisely triggered the bear's attack. The incident heightens concerns during summer months when bear activity is known to increase. With approximately 24,000 black bears in Wisconsin, typically residing in the northern two-thirds of the state, the DNR strongly emphasises the importance of taking precautions to avoid similar encounters.
Authorities continue their investigation into the attack. Meanwhile, the DNR reminds that while extremely rare, bear attacks can pose a serious risk, particularly when an animal feels threatened or is accompanied by its young. The DNR, as told by WISN, recommends that residents and visitors in bear country remain vigilant and to thoroughly secure attractants such as bird feeders and garbage which can inadvertently draw bears closer to human habitats. According to USDA Wildlife Services, it responds to several hundred nuisance bear complaints annually in Wisconsin – most of which do not result in harm to humans.
