An adult bear scratched its way into a tent and bit a man on his forearm in a campground on the eastern end of Colorado’s Ruedi Reservoir Wednesday (June 24), authorities told the Aspen Times.
The man was able to whack the bear with his other arm and drive it off, according to a report by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The camper was sleeping with his wife and their 1-year-old baby at the Dearhamer Campground when the bear investigated the site at about 3:30 a.m.
The man escaped serious injury. He went by private vehicle to Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs where he was treated for two puncture wounds and released, according the wildlife agency.
The U.S. Forest Service temporarily restricted Dearhamer Campground to hard-side campers only. Tents won’t be allowed for an unknown time.
Wildlife officers set a trap for the bear.
Bear-proof food storage lockers were installed in May at Dearhamer as part of the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District’s ongoing effort to provide them at all campgrounds, according to Martha Moran, recreation manager for the district. It is mandatory to use lockers when provided in the White River National Forest. Violators can be fined.
The report by Colorado Parks and Wildlife said the camping family left food and trash at their campsite. The only item placed in the locker was a bag of potato chips, the wildlife agency said.
The investigating wildlife officer, Matt Yamashita, found the bear rummaged through coolers of food and freshly caught fish as well as trash.
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