A black bear, like this one shown in a file photo, attacked a 12-year-old girl near Cadillac.
Abby, the daughter of Chris and Elizabeth Wetherell, underwent surgery this morning and is doing well, a family member told The Grand Rapids Press and MLive.com.
The girl was attacked Thursday, Aug. 15, while returning from a cabin down a two-track road in Haring Township, north of Cadillac.
She saw the bear, then began running in the hope she could reach nearby homes. But the bear attacked and clawed her, then attacked again after she got to her feet and started to run away a second time, DNR spokesman Ed Golder said.
Abby shouted for help, and caught the attention of a neighbor, who ran to her, calling her name. The bear was startled, and ran off.
Conservation officers Sam Koscinski and Holly Pennoni responded to the scene shortly after the 9 p.m. attack.
The DNR is actively searching for the bear, and setting traps in the area. When caught, the bear will be euthanized and tested for disease.
The DNR asked residents in the area to stay clear of the area so that the bear can be trapped. Anyone who spots a bear in the area can called the DNR's Cadillac Operations Service Center at 231-775-9727.
The DNR said 90 percent of the state's bear population - 8,000 to 10,000 bears - are in the Upper Peninsula.
Black bears usually fear humans, and will leave if people are present. If a black bear attacks, it is usually a sow protecting cubs. The DNR said no cubs were in the area of Thursday's attack.
The DNR offered these tips for being safe from bears:
- To avoid surprising bears, travel in small groups and make noise.
- If you encounter a bear, stand your ground and then slowly back away. Do not turn away. Do not show fear and run. Do not play dead.
- Make yourself look bigger and talk to the bear in a stern voice.
- Fight back if actually attacked with a backpack, stick, or bare hands.
- Carry pepper spray, which has been shown to be effective in fending off bear attacks.
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