Woman hospitalized after bear attack in Wisconsin

A woman is hospitalized after a bear attack in Barron County, prompting a search for the animal.

Wisconsin bear attack leads to search and investigation

A bear attack in Barron County, Wisconsin has left a 69-year-old woman hospitalized. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon near the Town of Comstock. The victim managed to call 911 around 2 p.m., though her current condition remains unclear. In response, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is searching for the attacking bear. So far, authorities have only located a cub up in a tree, suggesting it is part of a mother with her young. Efforts to capture the bear include setting several traps in the area, with the intent to euthanize it if found.

This bear attack raises questions about human-wildlife interactions, particularly as urban development encroaches on natural habitats. The DNR's decision to euthanize the bear could spark community debate over wildlife management and safety protocols. The search operations emphasize the ongoing challenges wildlife officials face as bear populations grow and encounters with humans increase.

Highlights

The outcome of this incident may influence how authorities manage bear populations in populated areas.