ALLES CALDERA NATIONAL PRESERVE, N.M. — Wildlife officials in New Mexico say a woman was attacked by a bear while she was running a marathon in northern New Mexico on Saturday.
Karen Williams was running when a female black bear confronted her, according to the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. According to reports, the bear's cub was spooked and ran up a nearby tree.
Williams played dead for 10 minutes while she waited for other joggers and emergency crews to arrive. She was airlifted to a local hospital where she was treated for facial injuries and lacerations.
The bear was captured and euthanized.
“It is regrettable when a wildlife encounter results in human injuries and requires we euthanize the animal,” Department Director Alexandra Sandoval said in a statement. “We are thankful that the injuries sustained by the victim were not worse and are hopeful that she is able to recover quickly.”
Williams shared her full story on the Valles Calderas Runs Facebook page:
She wrote: