Couple Fights Off Bear During Attack In Pine Home

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — A mother bear attacked a 71-year-old man Monday night inside his home in Pine, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. The man and his wife fought the bear off using a baseball bat and punches.

The bear and her cub went into the home through a screen door at about 8:30 p.m. and started eating a loaf of bread. The couple heard noises and went to investigate, authorities said.

The mother bear then attacked the man, but he was able to punch it while his wife struck it with a baseball bat, the sheriff's office said. Both bears then ran out of the house through the same screen door they came in through.

The man suffered several scratches and cuts but wasn't seriously injured. His wife wasn't injured.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers were notified of the attack and used a dog team to search for the bears. The mother bear was found and euthanized; however, her cub has not been found.

Many bears are out foraging before hibernation, and CPW is urging people to follow guidelines for being 'bear aware.'