MUNCY CREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Game wardens are trying to figure out why a bear attacked and seriously injured a woman in Lycoming County.
Investigators say the woman was outside her home with her dog when the bear grabbed her leg and dragged her more than 80 yards.
Friends say Melinda Lebarron suffered broken bones and deep wounds as a result of the bear attack Wednesday night outside Muncy.
Lebarron survived but is listed in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center.
The attack happened Wednesday around 6:45 p.m.
"We're looking into the circumstances of how that occurred, why that occurred, and trying to identify the particular bear that may have been involved," said Game Warden Chris Krebs.
According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Lebarron was outside with her dog when the bear attacked.
Game Warden Chris Krebs believes a black bear dragged Lebarron approximately 88 yards. She was able to get away and call for help. The Game Commission is investigating why the bear attacked.
"Pennsylvania's rifle deer season just ended and there were deer parts in close proximity," Krebs said.
The warden set a trap to capture the bear and will euthanize it once caught. According to the Game Commission, Lycoming County is part of Pennsylvania's core black bear range.
"Black bears are very common in the area and there are a lot of black bears in the area."
Game wardens point out black bears don't often attack people unless there is some kind of motivation for an attack. Usually, they are more of a nuisance.
Neighbor Jim Bieber says he almost got attacked a few years ago.
"That thing came right up to me, stood right up, makes you think a little bit. They're a pretty good size," Beiber said.
Game wardens say the best way to prevent bears from coming around is to take away food sources from outside your house.
"Take efforts to secure things like household garbage. You want to avoid bird feeding if you have bears in the area," Krebs added.
Lebarron is listed in critical condition at Geisinger Medical Center near Danville. Friends say her dog also needs surgery.