California Couple Fends Off 70-Pound Bear With Hatchet and Water Bottle

Executive Briefing

• Attacked couple used a water bottle and hatchet to critically injure a 70-pound black bear at their Mammoth Lakes home
• Bear initially fought one of the couple's dogs before turning on the woman, clawing and biting her
• Both humans and their two dogs are expected to make full recoveries despite sustaining significant injuries
• California Department of Fish and Wildlife euthanized the 17-month-old bear, deeming it a public safety threat
• Officials emphasize bear attacks remain rare, urging residents to secure trash and never approach or feed wildlife