Wisconsin Bear and Australian Lion Attacks Investigated

Karen Frye, a 69-year-old woman, was attacked by a black bear outside her rural home near Comstock, Barron County, Wisconsin, and is now in stable condition after initially being in critical care. The Wisconsin DNR reported the bear exhibited unusually aggressive behavior and will humanely euthanize it if captured, while any cub will be relocated. Only 15 black bear attacks on humans have occurred in Wisconsin since 2013, though residents recently noted an increase in bear sightings. In a separate incident in Australia, a woman in her 50s was severely injured and required arm amputation after a lion attack at Darling Downs Zoo; the lion will not be euthanized as it did not escape. Both incidents highlight the rarity but potential danger of wild animal encounters and have prompted renewed safety warnings. Investigations into both attacks are ongoing.