Backyard bear attack leaves Garfield County man with minor injuries

NEW CASTLE, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officers are continuing their search Monday for a bear that attacked a man Saturday night in New Castle, which is located along I-70 in Garfield County.

According to CPW, the victim heard a noise in his backyard Saturday night and went to investigate. When he went outside he startled a bear and it immediately knocked him down. The man said he used one arm to protect his face while he reached for his gun with the other hand. He fired three shots and the bear ran away.

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CPW said the man was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries to his hand, arm, and chest. He also experienced bruising on his chest from the bear holding him down.

Wildlife officers arrived at the man's home later that night to investigate and search for the bear. Although the victim fired three shots, he was unaware if any of them hit the bear.

CPW said heavy rain in the area made it difficult for officers to locate a possible blood trail and track the bear. With assistance from the Garfield County Sheriff's Office, a drone with infrared sensors was also deployed to look for the bear. All efforts to locate the animal were unsuccessful.

This is the second bear attack in New Castle this year.