By Erika Hernandez
25 Oct 2023, 7:36 PM EDT
Colorado wildlife officials reported that a bear attacked and injured a security guard inside the kitchen of a luxury resort in aspen on Monday night.
After receiving reports of a bear wandering around the facilities of the St. Regis Aspen Resortthe security guard on duty went to investigate the kitchen, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a news release.
After the guard surprised the bear as it turned a corner, the animal attacked him, punching him and knocking him to the ground, according to authorities.
The guard was able to escape and call 911. Shortly after, the police and an ambulance arrived, which took the man to a local hospital where was treated for back scratches and discharged on Tuesday morning.
Wildlife agents arrived at the luxury resort shortly after midnight to search for the bear, which was located a short time later. However, officials said that “Due to public safety they were unable to tranquilize him or capture him safely.”
“Wildlife officers were also able to obtain a description of the bear, including specific identification markers to assist in properly locating and identifying the bear,” the release said.
Investigators determined that the bear had entered the hotel “through a series of doors near the patio.”
“This incident serves as an unfortunate reminder that bears are still active as they prepare for hibernation,” CPW said.
“While it is common for people to see bears and other wildlife within Aspen city limits, it is everyone’s responsibility to give wildlife space and remember the importance of being ‘bear aware’ at all times.” , the authorities added.
Wildlife officials estimate there are up to 20,000 black bears in Colorado. Most are active from mid-March to November.
Human-bear conflicts are increasing due to the increase in people camping and hunting in the forests. Earlier this month, a mother bear and her cub were euthanized after she attacked two young children in Colorado Springs.
In Montana, a 73-year-old woman was hospitalized after being attacked by a bear west of the Glacier National Parkwhile a hunter was seriously mauled in September in Mountain by a grizzly bear.
The federal agency advises people to stay at least 100 meters away from a bear, never leave food or make it available to people, and “don’t run” if they encounter one of these animals.
Keep reading:
- Sighting of a black bear in a Disney World tree led to closures at Magic Kingdom
- Montana park partially closed to locate grizzly bear that mauled hunter
- VIDEO: Famous three-legged bear in Florida stole alcoholic beverages from a family’s refrigerator