Bear that mauled woman in Gig Harbor area still out there

  • The Associated Press
  • Monday, November 8, 2010 12:01am
  • News

The Associated Press

GIG HARBOR, Pierce County — The bear that mauled a woman near Gig Harbor remains at large.

The traps remain set Monday, and agents plan to kill the bear because it harmed a person, said Fish and Wildlife Department spokesman Craig Bartlett.

Officials also want to test the animal for disease.

The woman who was attacked Sunday while walking her dog is in satisfactory condition at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma.

She doesn’t want her name, age or the nature of her wounds released, said hospital spokeswoman Jacquie Goodwill. The woman is expected to fully recover and should be released in about a day.

Wildlife Capt. Dan Brinson told The News Tribune of Tacoma on Sunday that the woman suffered a severe laceration to an arm and bites to her back.

She was found by a couple driving by.

Wildlife agents hunted for the bear with dogs Sunday, but they lost the scent in the rain. Two traps were set out, baited with doughnuts, maple syrup and vanilla.

Bartlett called the attack “highly unusual” and says it’s surprising there would be two attacks within two months of each other in Washington.

John Chelminiak, a Bellevue city councilman, was mauled Sept. 17 while walking his dogs at a vacation cabin near Lake Wenatchee. He suffered serious wounds and lost an eye but is recovering.

The Gig Harbor woman surprised the bear while walking her dog along a frequent route, said Goodwill.

The woman expresses her thanks to the police and medics who responded and to everyone who has expressed their prayers and concerns, Goodwill said.

More in News

After learning about each other through a genealogy service 15 years ago and speaking on the phone for years, Steven Hanson of Montevideo, Minn., and Sue Harrison of Sequim met for the first time a few weeks ago. The siblings were placed for adoption by their biological mother about 10 years apart. (Matthew Nash/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Adopted as babies, siblings meet decades later

Sequim woman started search for biological family 15 years ago

Derek Kilmer.
Kilmer looking to next chapter

Politician stepping down after 20 years

Jefferson County PUD General Manager Kevin Streett plans to retire next summer. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Jefferson County PUD general manager to retire

Kevin Streett plan to serve until June 2025

Port Angeles, waterfront district agree to three-year deal

Funds from parking, quarterly billing to help with public events

From left to right: Special Olympics Washington Athlete, Port Angeles Police Chief Brian Smith, East Wenatchee Police Officer Brandon Johnson, Port Angeles Deputy Chief Jason Viada, Undersheriff Lorraine Shore, Sheriff Brian King, Chief Criminal Deputy Amy Bundy and Fife Police Officer Patrick Gilbert. (Clallam County Sheriff’s Office via Facebook)
Clallam County undersheriff named Torch Run Sheriff of the Year

Clallam County Undersheriff Lorraine Shore has been selected as… Continue reading

Oliver Pochert, left, and daughter Leina, 9, listen as Americorp volunteer and docent Hillary Sanders talks about the urchins, crabs and sea stars living in the touch tank in front of her at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center. Pochert, who lives in Sequim, drove to Port Townsend on Sunday to visit the aquarium because the aquarium is closing its location this month after 42 years of operation. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Aquarium closing

Oliver Pochert, left, and daughter Leina, 9, listen as Americorp volunteer and… Continue reading

Tree sale is approved for auction

Appeals filed for two Elwha watershed parcels

Port Townsend City Council to draw down funds in 2025 budget

City has ‘healthy fund reserve balance,’ finance director says

Man flown to hospital after crash investigated for DUI

A 41-year-old man was flown to Olympic Medical Center in… Continue reading

Signal controller project to impact traffic

Work crews will continue with the city of Port… Continue reading

Cities, counties approve tax hikes

State law allows annual 1 percent increase