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

Sam Grello, the executive director of the Port Angeles Waterfront District, strings lights on a tree in downtown Port Angeles on Thursday. The district procured professional-grade lights to last several years and will work to brighten the downtown area for the holiday season. (Kelley Lane/Peninsula Daily News)
Holiday spirit

Sam Grello, the executive director of the Port Angeles Waterfront District, strings… Continue reading

From left to right, donors Ann Soule and Dave Shreffler, Clallam County commissioner Randy Johnson, Peninsula Behavioral Health (PBH) CEO Wendy Sisk, PBH Board President Dave Arand and Port Angeles City Manager Nathan West break ground for PBH’s new housing project, North View. Once completed next December, North View will have 36 units available to provide permanent, supportive housing for those who have experienced chronic homelessness. (Emma Maple/Peninsula Daily News)
Peninsula Behavioral Health breaks ground on 36-unit housing project

North View to serve those chronically homeless

Mauro recognized by city management association

John Mauro has been recognized by the Washington City… Continue reading

Overnight lane closures to start Sunday on US Highway 101

Contractor crews will close lanes overnight on U.S. Highway… Continue reading

Health care model relies on reimbursement

Olympic Medical Center is unlike almost any other business… Continue reading

The Commons at Fort Worden to close through winter

Hospitality services will move to The Guardhouse beginning Monday

City of Port Angeles adopts balanced budget

Revenue, expenses set about $157 million

Olympic Medical Center commissioners will consider potential partnerships with other health organizations to help the hospital’s long-term viability. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Olympic Medical Center to explore outside partnership

Process to explore long-term viability

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