Two people suffered significant injuries after they fought off a black bear when it confronted their two dogs near a home in the Mammoth Lakes area on Monday.Â
Police say the incident happened around 6 a.m. in the Old Mammoth area when a woman heard her two dogs barking and saw the 17-month-old black bear fighting with one dog in front of her home. When she walked outside, her second dog ran out, and while she tried to stop the bear, the 70-pound black bear then turned its attention to her and started biting and clawing her.Â
Hearing what was happening, a man walked outside and was confronted by the bear as well, police say. In response, the woman grabbed a water bottle and hit the bear until the man could get free and get a hatchet from inside the house and used the blunt end of it to strike the bear multiple times, critically injuring the bear and stopping the confrontation.
The couple suffered significant injuries but were able to transport themselves to Mammoth Hospital. The couple’s dogs suffered minor injuries in the incident and are expected to make a full recovery.
Mammoth Lakes Police officers responded to the scene, found the bear and confirmed there was no further threat and turned the investigation over to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
Police say CDFW Law Enforcement determined the bear to be a threat to public safety and department staff humanely euthanized the animal.
“Incidents like this are extremely rare in Mammoth Lakes,” said Chief Dan Casabian. “Bears almost always avoid humans and will flee when confronted. This type of aggressive behavior is highly unusual. We are grateful that the couple are expected to make full recoveries and appreciate the quick response of our officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinarian Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital Staff.”
Authorities remind residents and visitors to always be bear aware.
To reduce the risk of encounters:
