PA Woman Attacked By Bear While Walking Dog: Police

BUTLER TOWNSHIP, PA — A woman was injured Tuesday night when she was attacked by a bear while walking her dog in Butler County, according to police.

The attack happened around 8:30 p.m. when the 55-year-old woman was letting her dog out in the backyard of her Butler Township home, police confirmed in a news release. The woman suffered injuries to her arm, face, neck and head.

She was taken to Butler Memorial Hospital for treatment, Butler Township police said.

Butler Township police chief John Hays told the Butler Eagle that authorities believe the attack happened after an "interaction" between the woman's dog, a mother bear and her three cubs.

“Our officer was out by the Church of God, so he got there relatively quick," Hays told the Eagle.

Police said the mother bear and her three cubs were found in a nearby tree, and the mother bear was euthanized when she became aggressive. Police said the cubs were tranquilized before wildlife officials moved them to an unknown location.

In an interview with KDKA in Pittsburgh, Wildlife Regional Director Jesse Bish said it's unclear which of the bears attacked the woman.

"It's kind of hard to tell whether one of them wasn't one that grabbed ahold of the victim also, so we may decide to euthanize those three also, just for the safety of the public," Bish said.

One of the victim’s neighbors, Michael Vero, told the Associated Press it "was nerve-wracking to hear her screaming" during the attack.

Vero said bears had been in the neighborhood for a few weeks and he was nervous for his children’s safety.

Butler Township Police Sergeant Thomas Vensel told KDKA the attack was the first of its kind for him and the area.

"Talked to some people that they've been seeing them in the area," Vensel told the station. "Obviously, there was a bird feeder up here that was knocked down. We've had warm weather lately, so I'm assuming these animals are out and about."

While bear attacks remain rare, Pennsylvania wildlife officials recommend doing the following if you encounter one:

• Alert the bear: If you see a bear, make some noise to alert the bear of your presence, giving it ample time and space to turn and leave. Avoid being caught up in the excitement of seeing a bear and inadvertently letting the bear get too close before surprising it.
• Get back: If you have a close encounter, back away slowly while facing the bear so you always know where the bear is and how it's reacting. Wild bears rarely attack people. Slowly backing away diffuses the situation and gives the bear room to flee.
• Stay calm: Encountering a bear can be startling, but try to remain calm. While moving away, avoid sudden movements and talk to help the bear keep track of your retreat. Don’t turn and run or attempt to climb a tree.
• Pay attention: Bears will use all of their senses to figure out what you are. If they recognize you as a person, some may stand upright or move closer in their efforts to detect odors in the air currents. Don't consider this a sign of aggression. Once a bear identifies you, it will usually leave. If it begins to slowly approach you, face the bear, wave your arms wildly and shout while continuing to back away. The idea is to intimidate the bear into retreating. Swing a stick, your backpack or whatever is handy if the bear gets close.
• Fight back: Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If one attacks, fight back. Bears have been d driven away when people fight back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands.