NISSWA, Minn. (KFGO) – Authorities in Cass County, Minnesota responded to a report of a woman who was attacked by a bear early Friday.
Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk said a 65-year-old Minneapolis woman reported letting her dog outside at a cabin in Fairview Township in rural Nisswa late Thursday. She said she heard the dog “having a confrontation with something,” and went to bring it inside when she encountered a black bear. She was struck by the bear in the chest and arm and knocked to the ground. Family members heard the struggle and were able to scare the bear away from the woman and out of the yard.
The woman was taken to a Brainerd hospital, where she received treatment for injuries to her shoulder, chest, and back area from the struggle.
Tips for avoiding a bear attack
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say anyone encountering a black bear should try to keep a safe distance, preferably indoors and try to assess why it is there (is there a food source it is attracted to, for example), and wait and see if the bear leaves on its own. If you encounter the bear outside, try to appear non-threatening and speak to the bear in a calm tone and slowly back away. Do not run.
If the bear does not leave on its own and approaches, that is the time to try to scare it away: boldly shout, bang pots, slam doors, or throw something. If you have bear spray, remove the safety and be ready to use it if the bear approaches you.
Officials say sometimes bears exhibit a quick burst of aggression to defend against a perceived threat. The closer you are to the bear when it becomes aware of your presence, the more likely it is to exhibit defensive behavior. This behavior is intended to intimidate and scare away the threat. It may pop its jaws, swat at the ground while blowing or snorting, and it may even bluff charge toward you. The bear is communicating to you that you are too close and it wants you to leave. They say this is not the time to argue with the bear.
Once the bear retreats, officials recommend that you leave the area immediately.
