PAYSON, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona authorities have killed two bears in the Tonto National Forest after three attacks on three people since May 31 in the Payson area.
State Game and Fish Department officials say two packs of hound dogs picked up the scents Sunday night of two bears near the Ponderosa Campground, the site of the recent attacks.
One male black bear was found one mile below the campground and one large adult female was found in Hellsgate Wilderness.
The hounds chased the bears into trees and officials fatally shot both of the bears.
Authorities say there’s conducting tests on the dead bears to determine if they have the ones involved in the non-fatal attacks.
Forest officials have temporarily closed several campground areas because of the bear attacks.
