Minnesota woman attacked by bear on her deck in Wadena County
MEADOW TOWNSHIP, Minn. (KMSP) - A 59-year-old woman was attacked by a bear on the deck of her house in northern Minnesota on Friday night.
According to the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, Catherine Hanson was knocked down by the bear and received “numerous injuries” around 10:15 p.m. in Meadow Township, just northeast of Sebeka.
When the bear stopped the attack, Hanson was able to get back into her home and call police.
“When Law Enforcement and Medical Personnel arrived the bear had left the area,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release. “Catherine was transported to an area hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.”
DNR Officers responded to the scene and attempted to locate the bear.
“Further investigation of the scene indicated the bear was after, and destroyed, bird feeders located near the house,” the sheriff’s office stated.
At this time, the bear has not been located. The sheriff's office said a bear trap from the Park Rapids Area Wildlife Office was brought in and set up.
Tips to prevent a bear attack
The DNR and Sheriff’s Office remind residents to be on high alert this spring, especially in the rural areas, for bear. They will be looking for food and or garbage that are easy access for them. Keep bird feeders and garbage away from buildings and keep garbage at a minimum. If you encounter a bear, do not walk towards it. Use loud voices and yell at it if one is on your property. If you see one on your property, do not approach it. It will eventually go away. If a bear becomes a nuisance, contact your local DNR Officer.