A couple in Mammoth Lakes, California, sustained significant injuries early Sunday morning after a black bear attacked them outside their home, according to the Mammoth Lakes Police Department. The incident occurred around 6:00 a.m. in the Old Mammoth area, the department said in a news release. Both individuals are expected to make a full recovery, per officials.
The bear involved was an approximately 17-month-old black bear weighing around 70 pounds. The couple’s dogs were also injured in the encounter, though their injuries were described as minor, and they are also expected to recover fully, officials said. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) later responded to the scene alongside local police.
Following the incident, CDFW law enforcement determined the bear posed a threat to public safety, and department staff humanely euthanized the animal, according to the news release. Police confirmed there was no further threat to the surrounding area after officers located the bear on the scene.
How the couple fought back against the bear before managing to reach the hospital on their own
According to the Mammoth Lakes Police Department, the incident began when an adult woman heard her dogs barking and went outside to find a black bear fighting with one of them. A second dog got loose when she stepped outside, the department said.
The woman reportedly attempted to intervene and stop the bear from fighting with her dogs. The bear then turned on her, biting and clawing her, and the man inside the home heard what was happening and came outside to help, but the bear aggressively confronted him as well, officials said.
The woman was then able to reportedly grab a water bottle and strike the bear with it, which allowed the man to get free. The man went back inside the house and retrieved a hatchet, then used the blunt end of it to strike the bear multiple times, the police release stated. Officials said the bear was critically injured in the process and the confrontation was stopped. Bear attacks on humans have become an increasingly reported concern in parts of the US, with military involvement being sought in some regions to address the surge.
Despite their injuries, officials said the couple was able to drive themselves to Mammoth Hospital. The Mammoth Lakes Police Department credited the quick response of officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinarian Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital staff in its statement.
Mammoth Lakes Police Chief Dan Casabian said in the release that this type of incident is not typical for the area. “Incidents like this are extremely rare in Mammoth Lakes,” Casabian said. “Bears almost always avoid humans and will flee when confronted. This type of aggressive behavior is highly unusual. We are grateful that the couple are expected to make full recoveries and appreciate the quick response of our officers, CDFW, Bishop Veterinarian Hospital, and Mammoth Hospital Staff.”
The Mammoth Lakes Police Department and CDFW used the occasion to remind residents and visitors about bear safety practices. Officials advised people to never approach or feed bears, keep garbage in bear-proof containers, avoid leaving pet food or bird feeders outside, make noise when hiking or walking in bear country, especially at dawn or dusk, and keep dogs leashed and supervised at all times. The dangers of underestimating bear behavior have been documented in extreme cases, including a bear activist couple who camped with the animals to prove they were friendly but suffered fatal consequences.
If someone encounters a bear, officials said the recommended response is to give it space, slowly back away, and not run. Any aggressive bear behavior should be reported immediately to the Mammoth Lakes Police Department at (760) 932-7549 x7 or CDFW at (559) 550-7060, the department said.
Mammoth Lakes is apparently known for regular bear sightings, though human-bear conflicts of this nature are considered uncommon by local authorities. The police department said it will continue working closely with CDFW to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in the area.
Published: Jun 10, 2026 08:10 pm