National

Bear attacks woman running marathon

Associated Press
State wildlife officials say a woman participating in a marathon race in the Valles Caldera National Preserve was attacked by a black bear after surprising it with a cub.
State wildlife officials say a woman participating in a marathon race in the Valles Caldera National Preserve was attacked by a black bear after surprising it with a cub. Brian Melley Associated Press, file
VALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE, N.M.

State wildlife officials say a woman participating in a marathon race in the Valles Caldera National Preserve was attacked by a bear.

The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish says the woman was racing Saturday afternoon when she was confronted by a female black bear.

According to officers, the victim surprised the bear after her cub had run up a nearby tree.

The woman suffered several bites and scratches.

She also had non-life-threatening injuries to her head, neck and upper body.

Other joggers assisted her until emergency help arrived.

The woman was airlifted to an Albuquerque hospital for treatment.

Game and Fish and the National Park Service are warning people away from the area.

Officials are seeking the bear to euthanize the animal and test for rabies.

This story was originally published June 19, 2016 at 2:01 PM with the headline "Bear attacks woman running marathon."

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