A 69-year-old woman was left seriously injured after she was attacked by a black bear, Wisconsin officials say.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said the woman called 911 around 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, to report the black bear attack near Comstock.
The woman was located and taken to a hospital, where her condition was unknown as of July 13, officials said.
Officers and wildlife officials discovered a black bear cub in a tree, indicating the attack likely involved the cub and its mom, according to a news release.
A report published in 2019 by University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point found just over half of black bear attacks were “defensive,” with 85% of the bears involved being female. Of those females, 91% had a cub.
A search was unsuccessful for the female bear, according to officials, who said traps have been set. If the bear is captured, it will be euthanized.
Officials said the reason for the attack is unclear.
Comstock is in western Wisconsin, about an 85-mile drive northeast from Minneapolis.
This article by Mike Stunson was first published by The Kansas City STar on 14 July 2025. Lead Image: A bear (not the one pictured) attacked a woman in Photo by Michael Anfang via Unsplash.
Wildlife in catastrophic decline
The 73% decline in vertebrate wildlife populations during the last 50 years (mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish), is primarily driven by human activities that threaten biodiversity.
Habitat Loss and Degradation – human activities like deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture have led to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats, reducing the space and resources available for wildlife.
Pollution – air, water, and soil pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and other sources can harm wildlife directly or indirectly by affecting their habitats and food sources.
Climate Change – changing weather patterns, rising temperatures, and sea levels are disrupting ecosystems and impacting species’ ability to adapt and survive.
Overexploitation of Resources – unsustainable hunting, fishing, and logging practices can lead to the depletion of populations and the loss of biodiversity.
Invasive Species – the introduction of non-native species can disrupt ecosystems, compete with native species, and threaten their survival.
Help to protect wildlife by donating as little as $5. Our conservation partners spend at least 80 percent of the money raised on actual fieldwork rather than administration and fundraising.
