Woman recovering after an early morning bear attack in Leavenworth
CHELAN COUNTY, Wash. - A woman is recovering in the hospital after being attacked by a bear in Leavenworth Saturday morning.
Officials with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) say a woman was letting her dog outside at around 7:00 a.m. when a black bear charged at her. Officials say the attack happened outside of her home, which is adjacent to Enchantment Park and Blackbird Island.
The WDFW says the woman was significantly injured, though she is expected to make a full recovery. She is currently being treated at a hospital in Wenatchee.
"We are extremely thankful that the victim is receiving medical care from this unfortunate encounter," said Captain Mike Jewell. "Public safety is our priority; our officers and staff were quick to mobilize to locate the animal and secure the scene."
At 10:50 a.m. WDFW officials announced that their officers located the bear using a Karelian bear dog, and lethally removed it from the area. Later in the afternoon, the WDFW announced that the black bear had two none-month-old cubs. Both of them were captured, assessed and taken to a PAWS wildlife rehabilitation facility.
Before the bear was killed, the Chelan County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) was urging the public to avoid the area of Enchantment Park Way off of Commercial Street.
WDFW officials say the only recorded fatal black bear attack on a human in Washington state happened in 1974. Since 1970, there have been 19 recorded bear attacks.
WDFW: Advice to minimize risk of injury during a bear encounter
If a bear walks toward you:
- Stand up
- Wave your hands above your head
- Talk in a low voice
- Back away slowly
- Avoid direct eye contact
- Do NOT run from a bear
Officials say bears tend to avoid people, but they are naturally curious animals. It is recommended to make noise, and keep pets on a leash while hiking.
This is a developing story.