California Couple Attacked by Black Bear
This week, a couple in California experienced “severe injuries” after a black bear attacked them outside their home, according to local authorities.
The incident took place around 6 a.m. Monday in Mammoth Lakes, a town located about 330 miles southeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada. The woman, upon opening her front door, noticed her dog engaged in a struggle with a roughly 70-pound black bear, the Mammoth Lakes police reported.
As she stepped outside to help, the bear shifted its focus to her, resulting in scratches and bites. A man then came to her aid, confronting the bear forcefully. The woman grabbed a water bottle and struck the bear, while the man used a machete, hitting it multiple times with the blunt edge, causing significant injury to the animal.
Both individuals sustained “serious injuries” and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Fortunately, their two dogs, including the one involved in the initial confrontation, are expected to recover from minor injuries.
In response to the situation, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife determined the 17-month-old bear was a public safety threat and subsequently euthanized it.
“Such incidents are incredibly rare in Mammoth Lakes,” said Mammoth Lakes Police Chief Dan Kasabians in a statement.
He noted that bears typically avoid humans and flee when confronted, emphasizing the unusual nature of this aggressive behavior. The chief expressed gratitude that the couple is likely to make a full recovery and commended the prompt actions of local personnel, including those at CDFW, Bishop Veterinary Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital.
While bear sightings are not uncommon in the region, actual attacks are infrequent. To lessen the risk of such encounters, police advise against approaching or feeding bears, securing trash in bear-proof containers, and avoiding leaving pet food or bird feeders outside.
Additionally, hikers and those walking in bear habitats are encouraged to make noise, particularly during dawn and dusk, and to keep dogs leashed and under supervision.
If a bear is encountered, it’s best to back away slowly rather than running away.
