Mammoth Lakes couple fights off attacking black bear with hatchet

A California couple sustained “significant” injuries this week after they were attacked by a black bear outside their home, according to officials.

The woman opened her door in Mammoth Lakes, which is around 230 miles southeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada, around 6 a.m. on Monday to find one of her dogs fighting with a 70-pound black bear, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department said.

When the woman went outside to try to intervene, the bear turned its attention to her, clawing and biting her. The man then came out and was aggressively confronted by the bear as well. The woman was able to grab a water bottle and hit the bear, and the man got a hatchet and hit the bear several times with the blunt end, critically injuring it.

The couple suffered “significant” injuries, but were able to take themselves to a hospital, police said.

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The dog and another dog of theirs that came outside when the woman first opened the door are expected to recover from minor injuries suffered.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife euthanized the 17-month-old bear after determining it was a threat to public safety.

“Incidents like this are extremely rare in Mammoth Lakes,” Mammoth Lakes Police Chief Dan Casabians said in a statement.

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He added: “Bears almost always avoid humans and will flee when confronted. This type of aggressive behavior is highly unusual. We are grateful that the couple are expected to make full recoveries and appreciate the quick response of our officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinarian Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital Staff.”

Bear sightings in the area are common, police said, but attacks are rare.

Police added that to reduce risks of an attack, people should never approach or feed bears, they should secure garbage in bear-proof containers, and shouldn’t leave pet food or bird feeders outside.

Hikers and walkers should also make noise when out in bear country, especially at dusk and dawn, and dogs should be leashed and supervised.

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If a person encounters a bear, they should slowly back away and never run.