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Bear-bite victims at local campsite identified

Ursine tracked, but not located

Wildlife officers haven’t located a bear that bit two men, identified as Kerry Benally, 43, and Luiz Molina, 27, early Saturday at an illegal camp above Manna Soup Kitchen, Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Joe Lewandowski said Monday.

Molina was treated and released, and Benally remains at Mercy Regional Medical Center in good condition, spokesman David Bruzzese said. He couldn’t release additional information because of federal privacy laws.

The bear has not ventured into a trap set near the camp where the homeless have hung out for years, Lewandoswki said. The trap is a barrel-like structure with a door that closes when a trigger is tripped. Leg-hold traps are a thing of the past, he said.

Bears aren’t naturally aggressive around people, Lewandowski said. But they are attracted to trash, food waste and odors, of which there is an abundance around the homeless camp.

Benally and Molina, who were bitten about 2 a.m. Saturday, were taken to Mercy for treatment.

A sign alerting people about bears was posted in the vicinity of the camp, Lewandowski said. Anyone who sees a bear may call Parks and Wildlife at 247-0855.

Wildlife officers with dogs tried to track the bear after daybreak Saturday and again in the evening, without success, Lewandowski said. The dogs followed the scent for a time, but lost it, he said.

Benally and Molina were sleeping in separate tents, Lewandowski said.

Lewandowski said the incident is a good reminder to homeowners not allow trash or food waste to collect outside. Take down bird feeders, and put away barbecue grills, he said.

daler@durangoherald.com



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