Camper attacked by bear

MOSCA, Colo. (AP) _ Wildlife officers were searching for a bear that bit a 20-year-old Tulsa man while he was camping near the Great Sand Dunes National Monument. <br><br>Brian J. Bauer was attacked while

Sunday, October 7th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

MOSCA, Colo. (AP) _ Wildlife officers were searching for a bear that bit a 20-year-old Tulsa man while he was camping near the Great Sand Dunes National Monument.

Brian J. Bauer was attacked while he was camping near the monument with five others early Friday.

He woke up at about 4 a.m. when the bear grabbed him by the right foot. At first, Bauer thought it was a prank. The bear released its grip when Bauer began speaking.

He was taken to the San Luis Valley hospital in Alamosa, where he was treated and released.

Officials from the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the National Park Service brought in a team of dogs to track the bear. If it is found, it will be destroyed and tested for rabies, officials said.

The attack, the first reported this year in the San Luis Valley, prompted the DOW to issue black bear safety tips when hiking and camping.