Colorado woman found dead of apparent bear attack

A Colorado woman was found dead Friday night from what authorities believe was a black bear attack, according a release shared by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).

The 39-year-old woman went missing after she took her two dogs for a walk near the town of Trimble. Her boyfriend discovered the body after going to look for her when her dogs showed up at home alone.

Authorities noted that body had “signs of consumption,” and bear droppings and hair were found at the scene. Shortly afterward, a female bear and two younger bears were tracked down by a dog team.

The bears were all euthanized, according to Cory Chick, CPW Southwest Region manager. 

“Out of an abundance of caution, the bears were removed for public safety. We ask the public to report any encounter with an aggressive bear to CPW,” Chick said. 

Chick added that “bear attacks are extremely rare,” calling the event a “sad reminder that bears are wild and potentially dangerous.”

Since CPW began tracking black bears 61 years ago, only three other attacks on humans have been reported, CPW spokesman Jason Clay said, according to Reuters.

An autopsy will be performed early next week on the woman, and necropsies will be performed on the bears. The Wyoming Game and Fish Wildlife Forensic & Fish Health Laboratory will investigate the DNA from the bears and the scene of the incident, CPW said.

CPW has requested that the public avoid the area until a full investigation can be carried out.

–Updated on May 5 at 3:59 p.m.