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Bear bites man relaxing in hammock, Colorado officials say

Officials are trying to locate the bear, which will be euthanized once it's found.
Bear bites man relaxing in hammock, Colorado officials say
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Wildlife officials in Colorado are searching for the bear that bit a camper who was relaxing in his hammock. 

The attack happened late Saturday night at a campground near the Purgatoire River in Trinidad, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. 

The man reportedly left the campground and went to a motel, where an ambulance was called to transport him to a hospital. 

A picture provided by CPW shows a 2-to-3-inch bite wound. Officials said the camper is expected to be OK. 

“Bear attacks are rare and we take them very seriously,” said Mike Brown, a CPW area wildlife manager.

SEE MORE: Woman dead after apparent grizzly bear attack near Yellowstone

The victim reportedly said he didn't have food on him at the time of the attack, which raises fears that the bear could attack again.

Wildlife officials went back to the campsite and set traps for the bear. Officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service were also brought in to help locate the bear. 

If it's caught, the bear will be euthanized. 

Bear attacks are rare. This was the third in Colorado this year, according to CPW.

Officials say bears are rarely aggressive are typically scared off by noise. If a bear attacks, CPW advises people to fight back and not play dead. 

"People have successfully defended themselves with pen knives, trekking poles, and even bare hands," CPW states.

SEE MORE: Man killed in 'unprovoked' bear attack in Arizona


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