Police Kill Bear That Attacked Woman And Her Dog In Oregon

MEDFORD, OR — A bear was killed by authorities after it attacked a woman and her dog in Oregon, according to police.

The attack occurred about 8:30 p.m. Monday in Medford, police said. The woman was in her backyard when a bear weighing up to 200 pounds rushed her, injuring her arm and leg, according to police, who said her dog intervened and was also attacked, but the woman and dog were able to chase the bear off.

The bear ran in front of a vehicle while fleeing and was struck, according to police, who searched extensively for the animal but did not immediately find it. Several sightings were reported overnight, and, at about 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, authorities responded to a report of a bear in a tree in a resident’s front yard.

Officers shot and killed the bear when it started to come down from the tree, according to police, who noted bears that pose a threat to human life are not eligible for relocation. Authorities determined the bear that was killed was the same one involved in the attack the previous night.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife advises that people who encounter a bear should:

• Raise their voice, yell and clap;
• Back away slowly while facing the bear, don’t run;
• Fight back in the event of an attack — use bear spray, be aggressive, shout and throw things.