FILE - In this May 14, 2018, file photo provided by the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, a DNA sample is taken in Fort Collins, Colo., from the paw of a bear killed by wildlife officers after a young girl was attacked outside her home. Wildlife officials say DNA evidence confirms that the bear is the one responsible for the attack. (Colorado Parks and Wildlife via AP, File)
Republished May 16, 2018 - 12:12 PM
Original Publication Date May 16, 2018 - 11:26 AM
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Wildlife officials say a bear killed by officers is the one that attacked a 5-year-old girl outside her home in western Colorado.
In a statement Wednesday, Colorado Parks and Wildlife said DNA evidence confirmed the 2-year-old male bear was the animal responsible.
The girl's mother said she was attacked after she went outside to check on sounds she thought were coming from her dog outside at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. The mother screamed at the bear, which dropped the girl and left.
Wildlife officers monitoring a bear trap shot the animal within about a half-mile (804 metres) of the girl's home that night. They say the bear came within a few feet of their vehicle, looking into an open window.
The girl is expected to make a full recovery.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018