Trail Closed After Black Bear Attack
Woman Suffers Minor Injuries After Spooking Mom and Cub
A 50-year-old woman was attacked October 19 by a 250 pound black bear while she was walking her dogs on a road near Ojai, adjacent to Los Padres National Forest. She did not suffer any serious injuries.
According to a press release from the California Department of Fish and Game, the woman surprised the bear and her 50-pound cub near Gridley Trail. The bear apparently scratched the woman, started to walk away, but then suddenly charged the woman and knocked her down a small embankment. The woman suffered a few minor scratches and refused medical attention.
The Los Padres National Forest Ojai Ranger District — citing additional bear sightings since the incident in nearby avocado orchards and on the upper sections of the trail — announced this Monday afternoon the closure of Gridley Trail to hikers until November 2.
The Department of Fish and Game is currently looking for the bear in order to capture it.
