AURORA, Colo. -- A horse that was attacked by a bear Friday morning is expected to fully recover.

Coby, Kimn Keck’s 12-year-old horse, was being cared for at an Aurora horse ranch when a bear apparently ventured within Aurora city limits.

“It is rare for bears to be in the area; but not unheard of,” said Division of Wildlife spokeswoman, Jennifer Churchill. “This is the time of year where bears are looking for food.”

Keck believes the bear approached the horse and swiped at him causing deep lacerations in his legs, neck and sides.

DOW found paw prints at the scene that indicated it was a bear and not a mountain lion.

“It was just a random thing. If he really wanted to, I’m sure the horse could’ve killed him. But he didn’t.” said Joe Padill, spokesman for the Division of Wildlife.

“I’m lucky,” said Keck. “I’ve known friends that have had to put horses down that are worse off than this, but he survived, and good Lord willing!”

Coby will stay at the medical ward of the veterinarian ranch until he is fully recovered.