69-Year-Old Hospitalized in Rare Black Bear Attack

A rare black bear attack in Wisconsin left a 69-year-old woman hospitalized and seriously injured as authorities hunted for the rogue bear. 

According to a press release from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the victim called 911 around 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, reporting that she had been attacked by a black bear near Comstock, Wisconsin. She was taken to the hospital, where her current condition is unknown. 

Local DNR wardens and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services staff responded to the scene, where they located a black bear cub in a nearby tree. This likely indicates that the attack involved a mother black bear. Thus far, authorities have been unable to locate the bear, which they plan to euthanize, despite setting traps and employing the help of a trained bear hound dog. 

Related: Orcas Filmed Exhibiting Rare, Human-Like Behavior for First Time

There is typically fewer than one fatal black bear attack in the United States every year, with around 11 non-fatal attacks reported. A 2019 University of Wisconsin study found that most attacks are defensive, with around 85 percent involving female bears, the vast majority of which had cubs with them.

This means the Comstock attack would likely fall in line with theses statistics, although officials still say the reason for the attack remains unclear.