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© Michigan DNRThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources is setting live traps, like the one in the picture, to catch a black bear that attacked a porcupine hunter. The hunter told the DNR he stabbed and injured the bear during the Thursday, Sept. 17, incident in Clare County.
A 46-year-old man was injured in what the Michigan Department of Natural Resources suspects was a black bear attack.

The man was treated for minor injuries at a hospital and released, the DNR said.

About 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, the man was hunting for porcupine and alone in a ground blind. He reported to police that a black bear came from behind, knocked him over and attacked him.

"Using his hunting knife, the man stabbed the bear, which scared it off. The bear is thought to be injured," the DNR said in a news release. "The DNR was informed about 45 minutes later."


Sgt. Jon Wood spoke with the hunter and advised him to seek medical attention. The DNR's Law Enforcement Division is continuing to investigate the incident.

Setting bear traps

The DNR plans to place a bear trap in the area and is asking the public to be mindful of efforts to capture the bear.

The DNR is asking anyone who spots a bear in the area of Greenwood Township, where the incident occurred, to contact the Report All Poaching (RAP) Hotline at 800-292-7800.

Michigan has an estimated black bear population of 8,000 to 10,000 bears, with 90 percent of the population in the Upper Peninsula, the DNR said.

Bears frequent locations in the area of Clare County where the attack occurred.

The DNR reminds the public that black bears are generally fearful of humans and will usually leave if they become aware that people are present.