A female hiker was bitten on the thigh by an ‘aggressive bear’ Monday morning while she was on a trail near Aspen, CO officials said Monday evening. According to a Colorado Parks and Wildlife news release, the woman and her husband were walking back to Aspen on the Hunter Creek Trail near Lone Pine Road.
“They saw a bear walking toward them on the trail. The woman says they tried to give it space and stepped off the trail,” the release said. “As the bear walked by, she says it suddenly turned, charged and bit her before it ran off and disappeared from view.”
The woman was taken to Aspen Valley Hospital and is fortunate that the wound is not too serious. The beast, which was described as light brown and weighing between 200 and 300 pounds, has not yet been located, reports the Aspen Times.
Officials with dog teams were in the area Monday afternoon trying to track down the animal but officers on the scene said they were having trouble because there were so many tracks in the area. Wildlife officials said because the attack happened near the town, people should remain cautious if they see a bear in or around Aspen.
“This is an aggressive bear and by policy, we will put it down if found,” CPW Officer Matt Yamashita said in a statement. “But until we find it, the public should remember what to do if they see any bear. If it appears aggressive or shows no fear of humans, do not approach it. Haze it away by yelling or banging pots and pans, then call CPW or 911 immediately.”
The section of the Hunter Creek Trail up to the Lani White Trail will remain closed until further notice while the search continues, CPW officials said.
