Bear Attacks Homeowner In North Central Minn.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Wadena County Sheriff's Office says a woman survived a bear attack Friday night.

The victim, 59-year-old Catherine Hanson, was out on her deck in Meadow Township near Sebeka at about 10:15 p.m. when a bear approached her home.

The female bear, who was with her cubs, first knocked Hanson over before mauling her.

Hanson told deputies the bear eventually left, and she was able to get inside to call authorities. Her injuries are considered non-life threatening.

Investigators say the bear was likely attracted to the home by Hanson's bird feeders, which the bear destroyed.

Officers from the Department of Natural Resources installed a bear trap in the area, but the animal has not yet been located.

Authorities are urging rural homeowners this spring to keep bird feeders and garbage at a distance from their dwellings. Anyone encountering a bear should yell at it and make loud noises -- but do not approach it.

Click here for more information on the DNR's website.