Coroner releases identity of Durango woman killed in bear attack

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Coroner releases identity of Durango woman killed in bear attack

Autopsy showed extensive damage
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and La Plata County Sheriff’s deputies investigate the scene of what CPW believes was a fatal bear attack near U.S. Highway 550 on Saturday morning. A 39-year-old woman was found dead Friday night near Trimble north of Durango.

Coroner releases identity of Durango woman killed in bear attack

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers and La Plata County Sheriff’s deputies investigate the scene of what CPW believes was a fatal bear attack near U.S. Highway 550 on Saturday morning. A 39-year-old woman was found dead Friday night near Trimble north of Durango.
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If you encounter a bear

Incidents in which bears kill humans are rare. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported three fatalities caused by bears between 1960 and 2020. Laney Malavolta’s death is the fourth fatality.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers tips should someone encounter a bear.
If you surprise a bear on a trail, you should:Stand still, stay calm and let the bear identify you and leave. Talk in a normal tone of voice. Be sure the bear has an escape route.Never run or climb a tree.If you see cubs, their mother is usually close by. Leave the area immediately.If the bear doesn’t leave:A bear standing up is just trying to identify what you are by getting a better look and smell.Wave your arms slowly overhead and talk calmly. If the bear huffs, pops it jaws or stomps a paw, it wants you to give it space.Step off the trail to the downhill side, keep looking at the bear and slowly back away until the bear is out of sight.If the bear approaches:A bear knowingly approaching a person could be a food-conditioned bear looking for a handout or, very rarely, an aggressive bear. Stand your ground. Yell or throw small rocks in the direction of the bear.Get out your bear spray and use it if/when the bear is about 40 feet away.If you’re attacked, don’t play dead. Fight back with anything available. People have successfully defended them­selves with pen knives, trekking poles, and even bare hands, according to CPW.Herald Staff Report

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