Name: Bear attacks and seriously injures woman at ski lodge
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Bear attacks and seriously injures woman at ski lodge

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logged_outAn evening of comet watching turned terrifying Friday when a bear attacked and seriously injured a woman at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area near Los Alamos.“Initial reports indicate that the woman sustained multiple injuries, including several broken bones, a collapsed lung, bite marks and scratches,” the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said in a Saturday news release.The agency said the 37-year-old Los Alamos woman and her husband were sitting on the deck of the ski lodge watching Comet NEOWISE – a sight that’s attracted stargazers in recent weeks – when a bear approached the two just after sundown.“Coming within a foot of the couple, the bear began chasing the woman and attacked her in the parking lot,” Game and Fish said.Los Alamos police fielded the emergency call from the husband.The woman – who was not identified – was taken to Los Alamos Medical Center and later airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque due to her severe injuries.Los Alamos police officers, who were the first to arrive at the scene, shot and killed a bear that was found nearby, eating trash.Game and Fish said it will work with the Veterinary Diagnostic Services laboratory in Albuquerque to examine the animal, while DNA will be collected from the victim, her clothes and the attack site.“Evidence will be analyzed by the Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensic Laboratory to verify that this was the bear involved in the attack,” the agency said.New Mexico Game and Fish spokeswoman Tristanna Bickford told The Associated Press that bear encounters aren’t uncommon in Los Alamos and that the animals sometimes use drainages to enter the city from Valles Caldera National Preserve and other areas in search of food.Tips for staying safeThough bears can be unpredictable, here are some ways to protect yourself if you encounter a bear:• Stop, and back away slowly while facing the bear. Avoid direct eye contact, as the bear may consider that a threat. Do not run. Make yourself appear large by holding out your jacket. If you have small children, pick them up so they don’t run.• Give the bear plenty of room to escape, so it doesn’t feel threatened or trapped. If a black bear attacks you, fight back using anything at your disposal, such as rocks, sticks, binoculars or even your bare hands. Aim for the bear’s nose and eyes.• If the bear has not seen you, stay calm and slowly move away, making noise so the bear knows you are there. Never get between a mother bear and her cubs.If you live or camp in bear country:• Keep garbage in airtight containers inside your garage or storage area. Place garbage outside in the morning just before pickup, not the night before. Occasionally clean cans with ammonia or bleach.• Remove bird feeders. Bears see them as sweet treats, and often they will look for other food sources nearby.• Never put meat or sweet-smelling food scraps such as melon in your compost pile.• Don’t leave pet food or food dishes outdoors at night.• Clean and store outdoor grills after use. Bears can smell sweet barbecue sauce and grease for miles.• Never intentionally feed bears to attract them for viewing.• Keep your camp clean, and store food and garbage properly at all times. Use bear-proof containers when available. If not, suspend food, toiletries, coolers and garbage from a tree at least 10 feet off the ground and four feet out from the tree trunk.• Keep your tent and sleeping bag free of all food smells. Store the clothes you wore while cooking or eating with your food.• Sleep a good distance from your cooking area or food storage site.Source: New Mexico Game and FishAlbuquerque Journal and its reporters are committed to telling the stories of our community.•&nbsp;Do you have a question you want someone to try to answer for you? Do you have a bright spot you want to share?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We want to hear from you.Subscribe now to access decluttered news, chosen by you. Manage the news you want to see, read exclusive content and explore other subscriber benefits.123456789Share by EmailSharingCloseShare

logged_outAn evening of comet watching turned terrifying Friday when a bear attacked and seriously injured a woman at Pajarito Mountain Ski Area near Los Alamos.“Initial reports indicate that the woman sustained multiple injuries, including several broken bones, a collapsed lung, bite marks and scratches,” the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish said in a Saturday news release.The agency said the 37-year-old Los Alamos woman and her husband were sitting on the deck of the ski lodge watching Comet NEOWISE – a sight that’s attracted stargazers in recent weeks – when a bear approached the...

Bear attacks and seriously injures woman at ski lodge

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