Wisconsin DNR investigating black bear attack in Barron County

COMSTOCK, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on Sunday that the agency is investigating after a 69-year-old woman was attacked by a black bear near the town of Comstock in Barron County.

The victim reported the attack around 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12. She was able to call 911 and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The victim’s condition is currently unknown, but the DNR said in the release that she sustained severe injuries.

Officers from Barron County and the city of Cumberland initially responded to the 911 call. Local DNR wardens and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services staff also responded to the incident.

Upon arrival, they began looking for the bear. They located a cub in a tree indicating the incident involved a sow and cub. The DNR said it is unknown why the attack occurred, and wardens continue to investigate the incident to learn more details and a possible cause.

DNR wardens and USDA Wildlife Services staff attempted to track the bear with the aid of a trained bear hound dog, but the search was unsuccessful. The DNR said efforts to capture the bear are ongoing. Several bear traps have been set at the scene, and the goal is to euthanize the bear and assess its condition.

No other information on the incident is available at this time. The DNR’s Office of Communications will release new information as it becomes available.

MORE COVERAGE FROM OUTDOOR NEWS:

Take a new approach to catch big warm-water smallies

Pennsylvania House panel to study pay of conservation officers

Whitefish woes continue in the lower Great Lakes

Bear conflict information

The DNR partners with USDA’s Wildlife Services staff to respond to bear complaints.

USDA Wildlife Services responds to 500-600 nuisance bear complaints annually. Between 70-80% of complaints are resolved by providing recommendations to the complainant, most often the removal of an attractant. Trapping and relocation of bears is the primary abatement option when direct control is needed.

The DNR said incidents of black bears attacking or killing humans are very rare but do occur both in Wisconsin and across the country. No human fatalities have resulted from encounters with wild black bears in recorded Wisconsin history.

General bear information

There are an estimated 24,000 bear in Wisconsin.

Black bears are generally secretive, not aggressive and tend to avoid humans as much as possible, but bears are sometimes known to be aggressive if cubs are present and feel threatened.

Bears primarily occupy the northern two thirds of the state, but are sometimes observed in the southern part of the state as well.

Bears are omnivores and eat both plant and animals. They are opportunistic feeders and will feed on natural foods as well as anthropogenic (human caused) foods.

Best practices in bear country

The DNR recommends following these tips to help stay safe should you encounter a bear.

• Minimize food attractants around your residence or camps.
  • Bird feeders should be only used in the wintertime or brought in at night and made inaccessible to bears. Deter bears by hanging feeders 10 feet from the ground and five feet out from any surface. If a bear does find the feeder, remove it immediately.
  • Keep garbage cans secured, clean and inside sheds if possible. Do not leave loose garbage around.
  • Do not leave pet food outside.
  • Keep grills clean and secure.
     
• If you encounter a bear in your yard or around your home:
  • Place yourself in a secure area so the bear has a clear escape path.
  • Make a lot of noise by yelling, honking a car horn or banging pots and pans.
  • Consider installing motion-activated water sprinklers, lights or alarms.
     
• If you encounter a bear while hiking, hunting or camping:
  • Never approach a bear.
  • Do not run.
  • Do not lie down or play dead.
  • Talk to the bear or start shouting if it doesn’t leave.
  • Raise your arms above your head and wave them to appear larger than you are.
  • Slowly back away and don’t turn your back on the bear.
  • Always leave an escape route for the bear.
  • Fight back if attacked.

More information on living with bears in Wisconsin is available on the DNR website.