Wardens with the agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture were searching Wednesday for the California black bear, which will be euthanized when caught, he said.
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The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed the attack and said an aggressive animal public safety warning was issued in the area. The man fought the bear, and in the struggle sustained multiple puncture wounds and lacerations to his head, legs, arms, abdomen, hands and feet.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m.at a home on Colorado Road near Highway 140 in Midpines. “There he was – he was right on top of me”. Chambers told the Sun-Star that Yepez, who lives alone, was recovering at his residence.
The victim was struck from behind and seriously injured in the attack, said Jordan Traverso, spokeswoman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, but was still able to drive himself to the hospital.
“Bear attacks on humans are very uncommon”, he said. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said they believe the bear was rummaging through Larry Yepez’s trash when he stepped out of his house in the early morning hours while it was still dark.
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Although it’s common to see bears in the area, Traverso said bear attacks are rare. People in the area should be alert about what’s around them, and should keep an eye on children and pets, the sheriff’s office said.
