Bear that attacked woman running marathon is euthanized

SANTA FE, N.M. – Wildlife officials have euthanized a black bear that attacked a woman running a marathon in a national preserve in northern New Mexico.

The state Department of Game and Fish says conservation officers tracked down the female bear Sunday and will test it for rabies as a required by state law. Results from the necropsy aren’t yet available.

Officers say the woman was racing Saturday afternoon when she surprised the bear after her cub had run up a nearby tree in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

The woman suffered several bites and scratches and had injuries to her head, neck and upper body that weren’t life-threatening. Other joggers helped her until emergency crews arrived.

Officials are still searching for the three cubs, which will be turned over to a wildlife centre.