A woman was attacked by a black bear Sunday morning while walking her dog in Gig Harbor, Wash.
Authorities say the dog chased after the bear after seeing it by the side of a quiet road. When the owner got between the two animals, she was attacked.
Armed with shotguns, wildlife officials spent Sunday afternoon searching for the bear. If it is found, Capt. Dan Brinson of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says it will be put down.
"Unfortunately, because it did involve an attack on a human being, the bear will be euthanized," he said.
The woman was rushed to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma with bites and scratches on her arm and back. Officials say both she and the dog will be okay.
Bears are common in the area, located south of Seattle, but authorities say they rarely come into contact with humans. Authorities believe the bear may have been trying to find food before hibernating.
If the bear is not located by Sunday night, donut-baited traps will be left in the woods.
With files from KOMO News
