COMSTOCK, Wis. (WFRV) – One person is hurt and is in stable condition following a black bear attack Saturday afternoon in northwest Wisconsin, authorities say.
According to a release from the Barron County Sheriff’s Office, the victim of the attack reported the incident around 2:00 p.m. near the town of Comstock.
“Kringle For A Cause:” Uncle Mike’s releases new kringle to help Texas flood victims
Barron County deputies and officers from the city of Cumberland initially responded to the 911 call. Local DNR wardens and staff from the USDA Wildlife Services also responded and, while searching for the bear in question, discovered a cub in a tree, indicating the attack involved a sow and cub.
DNR wardens, USDA Wildlife Staff, and a trained bear hound dog unsuccessfully attempted to locate the bear.
Efforts to capture the bear are said to be ongoing, with several bear traps being set with a deputy stationed at the scene. Officials with the Barron County Sheriff’s Office say the goal is to euthanize the bear and assess its condition.
The victim, identified as 69-year-old Karen Frye, was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. The DNR confirmed in a later release that she is recovering and in stable condition.
Sheboygan Police Department placing extra emphasis on speeding in July
DNR officials also said that despite it being early in the investigation, preliminary reports suggest that the bear exhibited a sustained series of aggression towards her, and was possibly doing so out of protection for her cubs.
No other information is available.
