Woman attacked by bear in Butler Township

BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A woman was attacked by a bear in Butler Township on Tuesday night.

Emergency crews were called to the 100 block of Bellefield Drive at 8:30 p.m.

Police said the woman was trying to get a mother bear and three cubs away from her dog when she was attacked.

The woman was bitten in the back of the head and on both arms. She was taken to a local hospital.

The woman’s condition is not known at this time. Neighbors told Channel 11 her dog is OK.

“I don’t know the extent of her injuries,” Sgt. Thomas Vensel with Butler Township police said. “It’s my understanding she was transported by Butler EMS to Butler Memorial Hospital. It’s my understanding she’s still there.”

The Pennsylvania Game Commission was working to tranquilize the bear and her three cubs. During the process, police said the bear “became aggressive” and had to be euthanized.

“This is a first for me and a first for the area. I talked to some people who said they’ve been seeing them in the area. Obviously, there was a bird feeder that was knocked down,” Vensel said. “We’ve had warm weather lately, so I’m assuming these animals are out and about if they have an easy meal.”

The three cubs were tranquilized and removed from the scene.

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