Bear Who Attacked Woman Killed

The attack occurred Wednesday night on Irongate Lane.


FREDERICK, MD. (DG)-A woman was attacked by a bear Wednesday night in Frederick County, Maryland.  Wildlife officials say the bear was tracked and killed.

bear-cub-irongate-lane

Deputies with the Frederick County Sheriffs Office along with officers from Maryland Natural Resources Police responded to Irongate Lane, off of Shookstown Road, for woman who was attacked by a bear outside of her home.

The woman was taken to Meritus Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. Officials believe her injuries are non-life-threatening.  Natural Resources Police spokeswoman Candy Thomson says the victim, identified as Karen Osborne, 63, has a broken arm, cuts and puncture wounds.

She says Osborne went outside Wednesday night to investigate why a dog was barking when she encountered the bear.  She dropped into a fetal position and called 911.  The bear left,  Thomson says.

While on the scene of the attack, police found a bear cub, weighing around 50 pounds, up in a tree. Officials believe the woman may have come between the cub and it’s mother.

Thomson says wildlife officials tracked the bear, and killed it.  The bear’s cubs are considered old enough to live on their own, and have been released.

By:  Dianah Gibson