May 14 (UPI) -- A 5-year-old girl was hospitalized after being attacked by a black bear in the yard of her Grand Junction, Colo., home.
The girl left her home in the East Orchard Mesa neighborhood about 2:30 a.m. on Sunday to investigate noises she thought were caused by her dog. Her mother then went outside and saw the bear dragging her daughter, a statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife said.
The bear dropped the girl after the mother screamed. The girl was hospitalized and reported late Sunday to be in good condition. The extent of her injuries was not revealed.
Three traps have been installed in the neighborhood to catch the bear on the suspicion that it may return to the area, CPW said.
The agency added in a statement that its officers "are actively tracking the bear with the aid of federal wildlife services personnel. Local residents may see heavy law enforcement presence throughout the area, including hounds. Residents are asked to secure trash, keep pet food inside and immediately report any bear sightings in this neighborhood, or any residential area."
If captured, the bear will be euthanized.
