The Latest: Runner recovering after black bear attack

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 12:51 p.m. ET

foxsports

LOS ALAMOS, N.M. (AP) The Latest on a black bear attack that wounded a New Mexico marathon runner (all times local):

12:45 p.m.

A marathon runner is recovering after a bear attacked her roughly 2 miles from the finish line of a race in New Mexico's Jemez Mountains.

Wildlife officials say a female black bear mauled the woman Saturday after she unknowingly surprised one of its cubs in the Valles Caldera National Preserve near Los Alamos. The woman was taking part in an annual race.

She went to a hospital with injuries to her head, neck and upper body and was released Sunday.

Authorities have euthanized the bear, saying state law requires them to put down any wild animal that attacks or bites a person.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish officers are searching for the bear's three cubs Monday, with plans to take them to a nearby wildlife center.

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11:40 p.m.

Wildlife officials have euthanized a black bear that attacked a woman running a marathon in a national preserve in northern New Mexico.

The state Department of Game and Fish says conservation officers tracked down the female bear Sunday and will test it for rabies as a required by state law. Results from the necropsy aren't yet available.

Officers say the woman was racing Saturday afternoon when she surprised the bear after her cub had run up a nearby tree in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

The woman suffered several bites and scratches and had injuries to her head, neck and upper body that weren't life-threatening. Other joggers helped her until emergency crews arrived.

Officials are still searching for the three cubs, which will be turned over to a wildlife center.