Residents upset over plans to kill bear
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OLALLA, Wash. -- The Department of Fish and Wildlife has set up traps for a bear that attacked a bicyclist on Sunday, and officials say the bear will likely be killed.
But people who live near Banner Forest Heritage Park say the animal did nothing wrong.
Anthony Blasioli, 51, was biking with his two dogs alongside him when he encountered the bear Sunday morning.
The bear charged at the man, cutting his arms, back and neck before he managed to get away. He's being treated at a Tacoma hospital and was listed in satisfactory condition.
Fish and Wildlife Captain Dan Brinson said the bear has to be killed because it has lost its fear
of humans.
Officials had previously indicated that the bear may have been protecting cubs, but Brinson said they now believe it was a male bear that attacked Blasioli.
"It's mean, it's cruel, it's bad," said Mike Leathers. "We're in their territory. The bear and her cubs need to be relocated."
Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Duane Makoviney said it's very rare for a bear to attack a human, and they have no choice but to euthanize it.
"It could have been worse. We could have a fatality here and we certainly don't want that to happen," he said.
Carol Maddux lives just miles from the park and she says bears are seen frequently in the area.
"They're not aggressive," she said. "They will back away from you anyone knows that."
Wildlife officials have closed the park while they try to trap the bear.
But people who live near Banner Forest Heritage Park say the animal did nothing wrong.
Anthony Blasioli, 51, was biking with his two dogs alongside him when he encountered the bear Sunday morning.
The bear charged at the man, cutting his arms, back and neck before he managed to get away. He's being treated at a Tacoma hospital and was listed in satisfactory condition.
Fish and Wildlife Captain Dan Brinson said the bear has to be killed because it has lost its fear
of humans.
Officials had previously indicated that the bear may have been protecting cubs, but Brinson said they now believe it was a male bear that attacked Blasioli.
"It's mean, it's cruel, it's bad," said Mike Leathers. "We're in their territory. The bear and her cubs need to be relocated."
Fish and Wildlife Sgt. Duane Makoviney said it's very rare for a bear to attack a human, and they have no choice but to euthanize it.
"It could have been worse. We could have a fatality here and we certainly don't want that to happen," he said.
Carol Maddux lives just miles from the park and she says bears are seen frequently in the area.
"They're not aggressive," she said. "They will back away from you anyone knows that."
Wildlife officials have closed the park while they try to trap the bear.
