DNR gives up on effort to trap bear that attacked 69-year-old woman in Barron County

July 28, 2025

COMSTOCK, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has concluded efforts to trap the black bear involved in a recent attack in Barron County. The sow and cub involved have not been observed since the attack. 

The DNR, in partnership with the Barron County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Wildlife Services, has maintained and monitored a series of live-traps and game cameras on the property since the attack occurred the afternoon of July 12, 2025.

The victim, 69-year-old Karen Frye, was attacked while in the backyard of her rural residence near the town of Comstock. Frye was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. She is recovering, in stable condition and doing well. 

“After two weeks of round-the-clock surveillance on the property and no additional signs of the sow involved, our current options are exhausted,” said Randy Johnson, DNR large carnivore specialist. “We’ve trapped and released two boar (male) black bears, two yearling bears and two sows determined to be unrelated to the incident. We also collected a dead sow found along a roadway about 1.6 miles from the site of the attack. Initial necropsy results are consistent with injuries from a vehicle collision and there is no evidence of it being the same bear linked to the attack.”

Although trapping efforts have ceased, the DNR will continue to monitor the area. 

Know what to do if you encounter a bear by visiting the DNR website.