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Mammoth Lakes Couple Fends Off Bear, Bear Euthanized

6/11/2026

27 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Mammoth Lakes couple repelled a 17-month-old black bear with a water bottle and the blunt side of a hatchet.
State wildlife officials later euthanized the bear after the attack.
The couple and their two dogs were taken to Mammoth Hospital, where they are expected to make full recoveries.
Police Chief Dan Casabian reminded residents to store garbage securely, keep pets leashed, and back away slowly from bears.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 California launched a $12 million Bear Management Program, cutting bear-related injuries 30 %—from 45 cases in 1995 to 31 by 1998—after decades of conflict that began with 18th-century Spanish ranchers baiting bears and 19th-century bear-baiting spectacles. Police Chief Dan Casabian’s call for secure garbage echoes modern education efforts such as British Columbia’s Revelstoke Bear-Aware program (1996).

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Story summary

The Mammoth Lakes couple repelled a 17-month-old black bear with a water bottle and the blunt side of a hatchet.
State wildlife officials later euthanized the bear after the attack.
The couple and their two dogs were taken to Mammoth Hospital, where they are expected to make full recoveries.
Police Chief Dan Casabian reminded residents to store garbage securely, keep pets leashed, and back away slowly from bears.

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