Marking the second attack in Idaho’s Priest Lake region in a month, a jogger came face-to-face with a black bear in the popular recreation area.
The man reportedly was followed down the trail by a black bear when he finally decided to confront the curious animal. As he stopped, the black bear pounced on top of him, knocking him to the ground.
Doing what everyone ought to do in the situation, the jogger fought back. Landing one swift kick on the attacking animal, it was enough to convince the bear to seek out a more forgiving prey.
Suffering only minor injuries to his lower leg, the jogger did not require any medical attention for his wounds.
Following the attack, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service closed the area overnight as trackers with dogs scoured the area in an attempt to locate the bear. After an unsuccessful mission, the search was called off and the area was reopened shortly thereafter.
On July 4th, a 60-year-old woman was also attacked just 6 miles from the sight of this most recent conflict. As she was hiking with her dogs, a black bear attacked her and was air-lifted to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries sustained in the attack.
Officials are reminding those venturing out into areas with active bear populations to make plenty of noise, keep dogs on leashes and to always carry bear spray.
h/t: KPVI