Young girl attacked by bear in Grand Junction

A child was attacked by a bear in Grand Junction Sunday morning.

The five-year-old girl’s mother tells Colorado Parks and Wildlife that she heard screaming around 2:30 a.m. in East Orchard Mesa. When the mother went outside, she told CPW officers that a large black bear was dragging the girl. The mother also says the bear let go of her daughter when she began screaming at the animal.

The mother tells CPW that her daughter had gone outside because she thought she heard her dog making noises in the yard.

The girl was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Right now her condition is unknown.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and federal wildlife services officers are currently tracking the bear. People living or staying in the Grand Junction area are asked to secure their trash, keep pet food inside, and immediately report any bear sightings to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

This is a developing story. We will provide more information when we receive it.