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RATON, N.M. (AP) — The Latest on New Mexico man attacked by bear (all times local):
1 p.m.
Authorities say a man who was attacked by a black bear while walking his dogs in northeastern New Mexico is expected to recover after having surgery.
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers say the attack happened Wednesday in a rural area southeast of Raton, a community near the New Mexico-Colorado border.
State police alerted conservation officers after receiving a call from the 36-year-old man, who was flown to an Albuquerque hospital for treatment.
He was not identified, but authorities on Thursday said doctors were hopeful for a quick recovery.
Game and Fish spokeswoman Tristanna Bickford said investigators believe it was happenstance that the man and bear crossed paths. She said the bear weighed between 300 and 400 pounds.
The man fatally shot the bear during the attack. The animal will be tested for rabies.
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11:14 a.m.
New Mexico officials say a man fatally shot a bear after he was attacked and bitten while walking his dogs.
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish conservation officers say the attack happened Wednesday in a rural area southeast of Raton, a community near the New Mexico-Colorado border.
State police alerted conservation officers after receiving a call from the 36-year-old man, who was flown to an Albuquerque hospital for treatment.
He was not identified and authorities on Thursday said they could not immediately provide details about his condition.
The man used a handgun to shoot the bear, which will be tested for rabies.
Authorities did not say what kind of a bear attacked the man but New Mexico is home to black bears.
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