(OT) Bear Attack Above Sierra Madre

A hiker has been hospitalized after a bear attack in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains near Sierra Madre, authorities said Monday.

The hiker was attacked about 10:45 a.m. about two miles north of Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park near George’s Cabin and rushed the hospital, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife said. The condition of the hiker and the whereabouts of the bear were not immediately known.

The hiker was alone when he said a bear appeared ahead of him in the middle of the trail and stood on its hind legs, said DFW spokesman Andrew Hughan. The hiker told authorities the bear was taller than him, meaning it was a full grown adult, Hughan said.

A few seconds after the bear stood up, the hiker said he was attacked by a second ursine that “came out of nowhere,” Hughan said.

“This typically will be a few seconds, but I’m sure it felt a lot longer,” he said.

After the attack, the bears ran off and the man got up and returned to the trail head where he called 911, Hughan said.

The hiker suffered “several cuts and scratches and possible puncture wounds,” Hughan said.

Two game wardens were now in the area searching for the bear. If they determine it is the bear responsible for the attack it will be euthanized per department policy, he said.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife officers were headed to the area, agency spokesman Andrew Hughan said.

The park is part of a small nature-study area with trails and oak trees, and is surrounded by quiet residential streets. The park and the hiking trail leading up to the attack site have been closed until further notice, authorities said.