ASPEN, Colo. – State wildlife officers are looking for an aggressive bear that bit a hiker Monday morning in Aspen.
The bear bit a woman on the thigh as she and her husband hiked on the Hunter Creek Trail near Lone Pine Road in Aspen around 9:15 a.m., according to a release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The hikers were walking back on the trail as the animal approached in their direction, the release read. The woman says they tried to give the bear space and stepped off the trail, but as the bear walked by it suddenly turned, charged and bit her before it ran off.
Wildlife officers said the woman’s bite wound did not appear serious.
CPW officers have called in experts with the USDA's Wildlife Services to assist with tracking the bear, described as light brown and weighing approximately 200-300 pounds. As of Monday evening, the bear had not been located.
CPW officials say considering the attack occurred near Aspen, it is possible the bear may enter city limits before it is found. They urge all residents to be cautious.
Wildlife officials said bears usually stay away from people but if a bear has been fed or has lost its natural fear of humans, they can be extremely dangerous.
