State wildlife officials say a Colorado man survived a bear attack in his backyard by firing at the animal and scaring it away after it knocked him to the ground.

According to a news statement from Colorado Parks and Wildlife area manager Kirk Oldham, the attack happened on Saturday night in the rural community of New Castle.

Officials say the man noticed a noise and walked into his backyard, where he was attacked by the bear, which knocked him to the ground. Then, they claimed, he raised an arm to protect his face, grabbed a gun with his free hand, and fired three shots.

It is unknown if the rounds struck the bear.

The man told Parks and Wildlife that the bear had been in his yard the two nights before.

The news release said that heavy rain made it hard for Parks and Wildlife officers to find and follow a blood trail and bear tracks while looking for the animal. On Monday, they were still looking.

According to a press announcement, the unidentified man underwent treatment at a hospital for minor hand and arm injuries as well as chest bruises.

In the past three months, there have been two bear attacks in the western Colorado town as bears get ready for hibernation, according to Oldham.

A bear attacked a woman in August, biting her arm and back as it lunged at her. The woman recovered, while a mother bear and her baby were euthanized, according to The Denver Post.

In the news release, Oldham noted, “This is an unfortunate reminder that we need to be vigilant and “bear aware” at all times.”

Source: The Associated Press

Image Credit: Getty

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