The bear in Big Cottonwood Canyon was euthanized after attacking a runner

Salt Lake City, Utah – On Wednesday afternoon, while trail jogging in Big Cottonwood Canyon, a black bear attacked a man.

Regretfully, wildlife officials state that the animal’s aggressive behavior against a human forced them to put it to death.

The report of a man being bitten was received by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m. The man was running in the canyon’s Mill D North trail section.

A bear was said to have approached the trail runner after it was heard in the underbrush. The man claimed that he retreated and made an effort to appear larger, which is somewhat true based on advice from wildlife specialists regarding interactions with black bears. Despite the fact that Wild Aware Utah advises “[making] yourself look bigger by raising your arms and standing tall,” they advise sticking to your position, keeping your composure, and refusing to back down.

The bear “bluff charged” the man twice, according to DWR officials. The bear then bit his upper arm when he stumbled over a log while he was backing up. After that, he kicked at the bear and managed to get away.

The man was treated for puncture wounds on his arm at a nearby hospital after managing to drive himself there.

Tracking hounds were sent by DWR biologists and conservation officials to seek the bear after they were called to the scene. At about 9:45 p.m., they discovered it.

“Because the bear had shown aggressive behavior and injured a person, it was euthanized, per policy,” the division wrote in a news release Wednesday night.

According to the agency, the bear was a mature female.

The following advice is offered by Wild Aware and the DWR on what to do if you come into direct contact with a black bear:

• Stand your ground: Never back up, lie down or play dead with a black bear. Make yourself look bigger by raising your arms and standing tall. Stay calm and give the bear a chance to leave. Be prepared to use bear spray or another deterrent.
• Don’t run away or climb a tree. Black bears are excellent climbers and can run up to 35 mph — you cannot outclimb or outrun them.
• Know bear behavior. If a bear stands up, grunts, moans or makes other sounds, it’s not being aggressive. These are the ways a bear gets a better look or smell and expresses its interest.
• If a black bear attacks, always fight back. And never give up! People have successfully defended themselves with almost anything: rocks, sticks, backpacks, water bottles, and even their hands and feet.

The Wild Aware Utah website has additional advice on how to keep safe in “bear country” and steer clear of black bear confrontations.