The attack happened near Eagle-Vail late Monday afternoon, Aug. 17, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a news release. The man was leaving a building's laundry room when a female black bear scratched his arm.
CPW said the man tripped and injured his foot while trying to escape. A family member took him to a local medical facility, where he was treated for injuries to his arm and foot and released.
Wildlife officers remained in the area overnight to try to capture the bear and her cubs, but the animals didn't return, and a trap has been placed in the neighborhood. A larger male bear in the area may have kept the mother and her cubs away, according to officials.
Colorado has recorded a high number of bear reports this year. According to CPW, severe drought conditions have limited bears' natural food sources and increased wildlife activity in populated areas.
The attack comes days after a woman was injured by a brown bear while running alone on a trail near Anchorage, Alaska. She used bear spray and escaped on her own before being taken to a hospital.
Brown bears aren't found in the wild in the Northeast, but black bears can be seen throughout the region. Experts also note that deadly bear attacks are very rare in North America.
Anyone who encounters a bear should stay calm, have bear spray ready, and avoid running, wildlife officials said. If a bear approaches or charges, hikers should stand their ground and use bear spray once the animal is close enough.
You can click here for more tips about staying safe around bears.
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