Early Monday in Crestline, a quiet night turned chaotic when a black bear reached through a bedroom window and clawed a 19-year-old in the face and chest, his family says. The teen suffered deep facial lacerations that required stitches and was taken to Loma Linda University Medical Center. Relatives say he is now out of the hospital and recovering.
The victim’s mother, Darah Wood, told reporters she watched a large black bear reach into her son’s room and claw him before she managed to scare it off by screaming and banging a pot. She said the bear left surface scratches on his stomach and chest, but the facial wounds were the most serious. According to the Los Angeles Times, paramedics transported the teen to Loma Linda University Medical Center, and wildlife officers collected potential DNA evidence from both the victim and the home.
CDFW Says DNA Links the Animal to the Attack
In a written statement, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said, “The DNA results have come back from the lab, and CDFW wildlife officers will now be attempting to capture the offending bear,” according to the Los Angeles Times. Wildlife officers say they are now trying to track down a bear that neighbors have described as unusually brazen around ponds and gardens near the family’s Crestline property.
Why Bears Wander Into Neighborhoods
Wildlife experts say many human and black bear encounters begin when bears learn to associate houses with easy meals. Garbage, pet food left outside, bird feeders and ripening fruit trees are among the usual culprits. A review of human and black bear conflicts on ResearchGate found that managers often rely on aversive conditioning and targeted trapping, while a field techniques guide on ResearchGate notes that animals repeatedly threatening people may ultimately be removed to protect public safety.
How Neighbors Can Reduce Risk
Residents living near wildlands are being urged to tighten up their bear-proofing while wildlife officers search for the animal. That means securing trash, bringing pet food indoors and taking down bird feeders for now. The BearWise program and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife offer step by step tips for making properties less appealing to hungry bears. See BearWise and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife resources.
The Wood family say they do not want the bear killed but hope wildlife officers find it before anyone else is hurt. Officials have not released further details about the capture plan.
