'No Bear Attack Occurred': CPW Says Woman's Injuries Are Inconsistent With An Animal Attack

GILPIN COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Gilpin County Sheriff's deputies and Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers responded to an area near Golden Gate Canyon State Park for a report of a bear attack.

Gilpin County officials say they received a call at around 1:20 p.m. about an apparent bear attack on a woman off Highway 46 near Mountain Base Road.

The woman was found in the parking lot near Coyote Trail and was later taken to St. Anthony Hospital.

"The woman was transported to Saint Anthony Medical Center at 1:40 p.m. after two CPW officers arrived on the scene. After an investigation of the area and subsequent interview with the woman, CPW officials have determined that no bear attack occurred," the agency said in a Wednesday night news release.

Jason Clay, a spokesman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, declined to discuss the woman's injuries, saying only that they were not consistent with being attacked by a bear or by any other animal.

Officials say the woman was hiking with her dog at the time. There were no reports of any other injuries. Officers say they've searched one-to-two acres and have not found anything. They also set out a bear trap.

Coyote Trail has since been reopened.

Wildlife experts say bear attacks are rare, and have never before happened at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. They add that bears are in active hyperphasia stage, meaning they're excessively hungry, and they are foraging for two hours a day.

Experts say humans should not run when confronted by a bear, instead, speak firmly to them and look bigger. Experts also say to use keys to make noise, and fight back if they attack you.

LINK: Be Bear Aware

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

In:
• Gilpin County
• Colorado Parks And Wildlife