Washington woman charged by black bear lives to tell the tale

Leavenworth, Washington - A Washington state woman was letting her dog out Saturday when she was suddenly charged by a black bear.

The woman who was attacked by the black bear is being treated for her injures at a local hospital.
The woman who was attacked by the black bear is being treated for her injures at a local hospital.  © 123rf/kamchatka

On Saturday morning around 7:00 AM, a woman went outside to let her dog out at a residence near Enchantment Park and Blackbird Island in Leavenworth, Washington.

There, she was attacked by an adult female black bear. Per the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) press release, the woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is receiving medical care at a Wenatchee hospital.

"We are extremely thankful that the victim is receiving medical care from this unfortunate encounter," Captain Mike Jewell of the WDFW said in a news release. "Public safety is our priority; our officers and staff were quick to mobilize to locate the animal and secure the scene."

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Officers used a Karelian bear dog to locate the female bear, involved in the attack. They found the bear near where the incident occurred and killed it.

Officers also found two approximately 9-month-old cubs, which they transferred to PAWS wildlife rehabilitation facility, according to the press release.

Wildlife experts give tips on how to respond to a black bear

Fatal bear attacks are rare in Washington state, as are bear attacks generally. The last fatal animal attack was in 1974, according to the WDFW, and since the '70s, there have been 19 other human-black bear encounters that resulted in documented injury.

According to wildlife officials, if you are approached by a black bear, you should stand up tall, wave your hands, and talk in a low voice.

They also note that you should back away from a bear, avoid direct eye contact, and not run from the animal.

Cover photo: 123rf/kamchatka

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