Last Saturday, a 69-year-old woman was attacked by a black bear in Comstock, Wisconsin. Karen Frye, reported that the incident occurred around 2 p.m. and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is still in search of the bear. 

Frye was able to dial 911 and get treatment at a local hospital. She reportedly sustained multiple severe injuries, while being in stable condition. She was attacked outside her rural home near the town of Comstock in Barron County. 

As the DNR searched the area for the bear, they found a black bear cub in a tree nearby. DNR officials said that the attack may have been the cub’s mother, but there is no information on why the attack occurred. 

The DNR used a bear hound dog to try and locate the bear. After an unsuccessful attempt, they placed several bear traps around the scene. Their goal is to capture, and euthanize the bear to analyze its condition. If the cub or any other bear is caught, they will be released back into the wild. (RELATED: Green Bay Opens Search for New Superintendent)

The DNR also mentioned the unusually aggressive behavior by the bear. They are known to be more defensive, especially when around food and cubs/family, DNR officials say. However this aggressiveness is very rare.

The DNR recommends that people stay, “bear aware,” during this season as locals have reported seeing a higher number of bears this summer. (RELATED: Wisconsin Becomes Battleground for National Fight Over Parental Rights in Education)