06/09/2026
BEAR CAPTURED BY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AFTER DOG-BEAR ENCOUNTER LEADS TO TWO PEOPLE BEING INJURED
Early this morning, the Mammoth Lakes Police Department responded to a bear incident that injured two adult residents outside a home in the Old Mammoth area. The incident, which occurred around 6:00 a.m., involved an approximately 17-month-old black bear weighing about 70 pounds. Both individuals are expected to recover, and there is no ongoing threat to public safety in the area.
Upon investigating, officers learned an adult woman heard her dogs barking and saw a black bear fighting with one of her dogs in front of her home. Another dog got out when the woman went outside and she attempted to stop the bear from fighting with her dogs. The bear then turned its attention toward her, biting and clawing her. Hearing what was occurring, the man came outside to intervene and was aggressively confronted by the bear as well. The woman was able to grab a water bottle and use that to strike the bear until the man could get free. Then the man retrieved a hatchet from within the house and used the blunt end of it to strike the bear multiple times, critically injuring the bear and stopping the confrontation. The couple sustained significant injuries but were able to transport themselves to Mammoth Hospital. The couple’s dogs sustained minor injuries in the altercation but are expected to make a full recovery.
Mammoth Lakes Police officers responded to the scene and were able to locate the bear. They confirmed there was no further threat and turned the investigation over to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). CDFW Law Enforcement determined the bear to be a threat to public safety and department staff humanely euthanized the animal.
“Incidents like this are extremely rare in Mammoth Lakes,” said Chief Dan Casabian. “Bears almost always avoid humans and will flee when confronted. This type of aggressive behavior is highly unusual. We are grateful that the couple are expected to make full recoveries and appreciate the quick response of our officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinarian Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital Staff.”
The Mammoth Lakes Police Department and CDFW remind residents and visitors that while bears are a common sight in our community, human-bear conflicts are uncommon. To reduce the risk of encounters:
• Never approach or feed bears.
• Keep garbage securely stored in bear-proof containers.
• Do not leave pet food or bird feeders outside.
• Make noise when hiking or walking in bear country, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Keep dogs leashed and supervised.
If you encounter a bear, give it space and slowly back away. Do not run. Report any aggressive bear behavior immediately to the Mammoth Lakes Police Department at (760) 932-7549 x7 or CDFW at (559) 550-7060.
The Mammoth Lakes Police Department thanks the community for their vigilance and cooperation. We will continue to work closely with CDFW to ensure the safety of our residents and visitors.
