Hunter attacked by bear in South Park; Bear to be euthanized, Wildlife officials say

SOUTH PARK, Colo. -- A hunter is recovering after he was attacked by a black bear while scouting the area near Red Hill in South Park late Friday afternoon. 

The hunter was walking near a stream when he encountered the bear, who then attacked him and knocked him to the ground. The hunter fought off the attack and the bear ran away, according to Jerry Neal, a spokesperson for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

The man sustained minor injuries to his hands, legs and abdomen and was treated by paramedics at the scene. 

“Thankfully, the injuries were not severe,” said Northeast Regional Manager Mark Leslie. “This looks like a chance encounter where the bear was likely startled.”  

CPW officers have set traps and have asked for assistance from the USDA Wildlife Services to track the bear. Once captured, the bear will be euthanized and a necropsy will be performed to determine if the aggressive bear has rabies or other abnormalities, Neal said in a statement. 

CPW warns hunters and tent campers in the area to take precautions to avoid potentially dangerous encounters. Food should be stored in bear-proof containers and away from tents and campsites. 

For more information on camping and hiking in bear country click here.