Barron County Bear Attack Victim, Karen Frye, Recovering as Search for Aggressive Bear Continues

A terrifying wildlife attack shocked Barron County, Wisconsin, over the weekend when 69-year-old Karen Frye was violently mauled by a black bear outside her rural home near Comstock. The incident, which occurred around 2 p.m. on Saturday, has prompted a large-scale, multi-agency search for the bear, which remains at large. The attack has also renewed concerns about increasing encounters between humans and wildlife in the region, particularly during the active spring and summer months.

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Details of the Attack and Victim’s Condition

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Frye sustained significant injuries during the attack and was transported to a nearby hospital. She is now reported to be in stable condition and recovering.

While specific details of the attack remain unclear, authorities confirmed that the bear displayed what they described as “a sustained chain of aggressive behavior” — highly uncharacteristic of black bears, which are typically shy and avoid human interaction unless provoked or threatened.

Randy Johnson, a large carnivore specialist with the DNR, commented on the unusual nature of the attack:

“Such aggression is extremely rare for black bears. While they can act defensively, this level of continuous aggression indicates a dangerous pattern.”

This behavior has raised significant concerns among officials, who believe the bear poses an ongoing risk to local residents and wildlife.

Search and Capture Efforts

In response, the DNR has launched an extensive search operation to locate the bear. Several live traps have been set up in the area around Frye’s home, with the goal of capturing the animal humanely.

While euthanasia is not always standard protocol, Johnson explained that the severity of this attack makes it a likely course of action:

“Our decisions in these situations are made carefully, based on the totality of evidence and the specific risks posed to public safety.”

Authorities also believe that a bear cub may have been present during the attack. Shortly after the incident, a cub was spotted in a tree near the scene. If captured, the cub will be safely relocated, as it is believed to be too young to survive alone in the wild.

As of Monday afternoon, neither the adult bear nor the cub had been captured. DNR officials emphasized that any other bears accidentally caught in traps will be safely released. Additionally, if the aggressive bear is captured, it will undergo testing for rabies and other diseases as a precaution.

Community Reaction and Safety Precautions

Karen Frye’s attack serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards posed by wildlife, especially for residents living near forests or rural areas. Bears are most active during spring and summer, and the DNR urges residents to take extra precautions: secure garbage bins, remove food waste, and stay alert while outdoors.

Though black bear attacks on humans in Wisconsin are exceedingly rare, this incident underscores the importance of ongoing awareness and preparation for safe coexistence with wildlife.

The Comstock community remains on edge as officials continue efforts to locate the aggressive bear. Local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are assisting the DNR in tracking the animal and preventing any further attacks. Authorities are asking residents to report any sightings of the bear or unusual wildlife behavior immediately.

Conclusion

As Karen Frye continues to recover, the search for the bear intensifies. Officials remain committed to eliminating any further threat to public safety while emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures in areas where wildlife and human activities intersect.