Wildlife Officers Kill Bear That Clawed Woman

ASPEN, Colo. -- State wildlife officers killed a bear that entered an Aspen home and slashed the face of the homeowner.

The bear that seriously injured Judy Garrison on Oct. 17 fled after attacking the woman in her kitchen, but was located by a tracking device placed on it earlier as part of a research project. Wildlife officers got close to the bear several times and eventually shot and killed the animal near Aspen over the weekend.

State Division of Wildlife spokesman Randy Hampton said Monday that officers are sure they got the right bear because of data from the GPS collar.

Garrison said she needed 80 stitches and reconstructive surgery after the bear swiped her across the right side of her face. She told the Aspen Daily News that she had no grudge against the bear despite her injuries.

The bear entered Garrison's condo early Oct. 17 through an unlocked sliding door. Garrison awoke, went to check the noise and startled the bear.

Several bears have been killed and relocated this year after being found rummaging through garbage or busting into homes and other buildings in search of food. A late freeze and drought heavily damaged the berries and acorns that bears normally eat.

The Division of Wildlife often tags and relocates bears that cause trouble, although officers will immediately kill one that attacks people or is especially aggressive. Bears caught a second time are killed.