Black bear euthanized after biting man in Kane County
Jun 19, 2025, 10:40 AM
An area in Garfield County where a black bear bit a man is pictured. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
(Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
SALT LAKE CITY — A black bear in southern Utah was euthanized on Wednesday after attacking a man in Kane County earlier in the week.
According to a news release from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, the attack happened in the Bryce Woodlands community Tuesday night.
The DWR said a man was asleep in a cot when he was awoken by a nearby bear.
“The man initially stayed still in hopes the bear would move on and leave the area, but the bear approached the man and bit him on the arm,” the DWR said.
The man was hospitalized in Panguitch and treated for his injury.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources euthanized a black bear after it bit a man in Kane County. (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
On Wednesday afternoon, biologists from the DWR located the bear.
“The bear, a male, had shown aggressive behavior and injured a person, so per DWR policy, it was euthanized and then submitted for disease testing.”
The DWR said the man has been released from the hospital.
In response to the attack, the DWR shared safety tips on black bear encounters.
If you encounter a black bear, don’t run away, climb a tree or play dead — “Stay calm and give the bear a chance to leave,” the DWR said.
And if it attacks, fight back.
“People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles and even their hands and feet.”
More safety tips on bear encounters can be found online.
Related: Do you know what to do if you encounter a bear?
