1 Injured in Reported Bear Attack in San Gabriel Mountains Near Pasadena

PASADENA, CA -- A man was lucky to escape with only minor injuries suffered in a bear attack Monday in the San Gabriel Mountains.

The attack was reported at around noon in the Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park, California Fish and Wildlife spokesman Andrew Hughan said.

The victim, 53, was hiking alone on Mt. Wilson Trail when he encountered a full-grown bear, which stood on its hind legs. The victim was then attacked by a second bear, which knocked him down, Hughan said. The victim suffered non-life threatening cuts and scratches to his head, feet and upper body.

"He was able to walk out of the area and called 911," Hughan said. The victim was transported to Methodist Hospital in Arcadia for treatment, he said.

Game wardens have swabbed the victim's clothes, wounds as well as the attack area for DNA. If the attacking bear is found, then it will likely be euthanized, Hughan said.

The San Gabriels are home to black bears, which usually forage in the morning or evening hours.

"It's unusually but not rare that they'd be out during the day," Hughan said.

Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park is closed until further notice, he said.