Aggressive bear approaches hiker, attempts to attack dog at Red Rock Canyon Open Space

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers are searching for a bear who reportedly was aggressive, approached a hiker and attempted to attack a dog Thursday afternoon.

The hiker said he and his two dogs were just 100 yards up the trail on the west side of the park when the confrontation occurred.

He said one of his dogs was alerted to something in the thick scrub oak bush and took off. The dog pulled so hard the man lost his grip and the dog ran towards the brush.

The hiker then said he and his other dog were confronted by a cinnamon-colored bear that he estimated to be 150 lbs.

The bear reportedly showed no fear of the hiker or the dogs and began pursuing the smaller dog, which was still on its leash.

The hiker said he kicked the bear in the head to stop it attacking his dog.

In all the chaos the hiker fell in the gravel and kicked the bear in the head again. The hiker was able to regain his footing, and he then began throwing rocks at the bear, in return the bear turned around and walked down the trail and disappeared.

CPW officers treated the hiker at the scene for minor scrapes on his legs.

As a result of the incident, the City of Colorado Springs closed trails in the area. Signs are posted at the temporarily closed trails.

The following trails that are closed:

Section 16 Trailhead Palmer Loop Trail The southern end of Red Rock Canyon

CPW and other agencies intend to track down the bear. If the bear is found, it will be euthanized because it poses an imminent threat to human health and safety.

The public is asked to avoid the area until the search ends.

CPW wants to remind the public to observe Bear Aware rules. You can find Bear Aware tips by clicking here.