A couple in California endured serious injuries following an attack by a black bear outside their residence, authorities reported this week.
The incident occurred early Monday morning in Mammoth Lakes, approximately 230 miles southeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada. According to the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, the woman opened her door around 6 a.m. to discover a 70-pound black bear engaged in a scuffle with one of her dogs.
Attempting to intervene, the woman stepped outside, prompting the bear to redirect its aggression towards her, resulting in clawing and biting. When her partner emerged, he too faced a hostile encounter with the bear. In a bid to defend themselves, the woman managed to strike the bear with a water bottle, while the man used the blunt end of a hatchet to hit the bear repeatedly, causing critical injuries to the animal.
Despite their “significant” injuries, the couple was able to drive themselves to a hospital for medical treatment, as confirmed by the police.
A black bear in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, in 2024. (Jonathan Newton/Getty Images)
The dog and another dog of theirs that came outside when the woman first opened the door are expected to recover from minor injuries suffered.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife euthanized the 17-month-old bear after determining it was a threat to public safety.
“Incidents like this are extremely rare in Mammoth Lakes,” Mammoth Lakes Police Chief Dan Casabians said in a statement.
He added: “Bears almost always avoid humans and will flee when confronted. This type of aggressive behavior is highly unusual. We are grateful that the couple are expected to make full recoveries and appreciate the quick response of our officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinarian Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital Staff.”
The harrowing incident occurred near the Mammoth Lakes, roughly 230 miles southeast of Sacramento, Calif., in the Sierra Nevada. (Robert Alexander/Getty Images, File)
Bear sightings in the area are common, police said, but attacks are rare.
Police added that to reduce risks of an attack, people should never approach or feed bears, they should secure garbage in bear-proof containers, and shouldn’t leave pet food or bird feeders outside.
Mammoth Lakes Police Chief Dan Casabians emphasized that bear attacks in the region are rare. (Mammoth Lakes Police Department/Facebook, File)
Hikers and walkers should also make noise when out in bear country, especially at dusk and dawn, and dogs should be leashed and supervised.
If a person encounters a bear, they should slowly back away and never run.
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