Bear that clawed camper in Arizona is trapped, euthanized
YOUNG, Ariz. (AP) -- State wildlife officials say a black bear that clawed a camper in north-central Arizona has been trapped and euthanized.
Arizona Game and Fish Department officials say the young male bear was caught in a culvert trap Wednesday night.
They say the bear was identified by a unique hind paw pad that matched tracks found at the campsite.
Officials say there were unsecured food sources and garbage in the area and a field necropsy revealed garbage in the bear's stomach contents.
They say the bear was investigating an undeveloped camp early Wednesday and pawed a man in a sleeping bag near Cherry Creek in Young, Arizona.
Bear spray was used and the animal retreated.
The man in his 20s was treated at a hospital and released. His name hasn't been released.
AZGFD says to take these steps to minimize bear encounters: