This is sad and a little nerve wracking. The DNR just reported that a 12-year-old girl was attacked by a black bear near Cadillac Thursday. Abby Wetherell, who lives in Haring Township, was returning from a cabin down a two-track road when she caught sight of a bear. She began to run in hopes of reaching nearby homes. The bear attacked and clawed her. Abby was able to get to her feet and ran again. The bear caught up with her and attacked a second time. She shouted for help and a neighbor heard her and ran to her aid calling her name. This startled the bear and the bear ran off. Abby was airlifted to Munson Medical Center where she underwent surgery and is in stable condition and under observation. She suffered deep lacerations in her thigh. The DNR meanwhile is actively searching for the bear by setting traps in the area of the attack. When found the bear will be euthanized and tested for disease. Michigan has an estimated black bear population of 8,000 to 10,000 bears, with 90 percent of the population in the Upper Peninsula. There is an established bear population in the area of Wexford County where this attack occurred. For more on this story see: content.govdelivery/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/876ae7
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 16:16:19 +0000