New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (NMGF) conservation officers are investigating a bear attack that occurred near Raton in the northern part of the state. State police alerted department officers after receiving a distress call from a 36-year-old man exercising his dogs.
The individual was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital due to the severity of the injuries, including a bite to the back of the knee. During the attack the man was able to draw his sidearm and shoot the bear, killing it. The male bear will be tested for rabies.
NMGF reminds outdoor recreationists to be bear aware. During the summer, bears are active as they look for food sources in preparation for the winter months.
Earlier the same week, bear attacked a man in south-central New Mexico who had been regularly feeding them.
(Photo source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)