Bear Attacks Hiker in Sierra Madre

Stock image used for visual. – Courtesy photo

One person was injured by a bear at a popular park Monday.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the incident happened around lunchtime on Monday at Bailey Canyon Wildnerness Park, in Sierra Madre.

A 52-year-old local man was out for a short hike and was 2 to 3 miles up the Mount Wilson Trail when he saw a bear stand up on its hind legs, Sierra Madre Police Department Chief Larry Giannone said at a news conference.

Thinking it was a sign of aggression, the man backed away from the bear, not realizing a second bear was to his left. That second bear attacked but the hiker fought the animal off, and it ran away, Giannone said.

The man apparently returned home before calling 911 about 12:45 p.m., Giannone said. He had multiple cuts to his heard, torso, legs and feet, as well as a head injury.

“He sustained a pretty good bear attack,” the chief said.

The victim was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.

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