Bear attack near Sebeka

On May 13, at 10:16 p.m., the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an adult female attacked by a bear at her residence, in Section 16 of Meadow Township, northeast of Sebeka.

Catherine Hanson, 59, of Sebeka, had been on the deck of her house when the bear attacked. It appeared the bear was a sow and had cubs. She was knocked down by the bear and received numerous injuries. When the bear stopped the attack, she was able to get back into her home and call 911.

When law enforcement and medical personnel arrived, the bear had left the area.

Hanson was transported to an area hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Local DNR officers responded to the scene and attempted to locate the bear. A bear trap from the Park Rapids Area Wildlife Office was brought in and set up. Further investigation of the scene indicated the bear was after, and destroyed, bird feeders located near the house.

At the time of this report the bear has not been caught.

The DNR and sheriff’s office remind residents to be on high alert this spring, especially in the rural areas, for bear. They will be looking for food and or garbage that are easy access for them. Keep bird feeders and garbage away from buildings and keep garbage at a minimum. If you encounter a bear, do not walk towards it. Use loud voices and yell at it if one is on your property. If you see one on your property, do not approach it. It will eventually go away. If a bear becomes a nuisance, contact your local DNR Officer.

The Wadena County Sheriff’s Dept. was assisted on scene by Sebeka First Responders, Tri-County Ambulance and DNR.