7 Shocking Facts About The 2025 Wisconsin Bear Attack And How To Survive A Black Bear Encounter

The tranquil image of rural Wisconsin was shattered in the summer of 2025 by an extremely rare and harrowing event: a black bear attack on a resident in her own backyard. This shocking incident, which occurred on Saturday, July 12, 2025, near the town of Comstock in Barron County, immediately drew national attention and prompted a large-scale investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The attack serves as a stark reminder of the state’s thriving black bear population and the critical importance of understanding bear behavior, especially as human and wildlife habitats continue to overlap.

The details surrounding the attack are crucial for understanding bear-human conflict and have led to renewed calls for public awareness regarding bear safety protocols. This article dives deep into the facts of the 2025 Barron County incident, explores the latest DNR population data, and provides essential, up-to-date strategies for coexisting safely with Wisconsin’s largest land predator.

The Harrowing 2025 Black Bear Attack: A Case Study in Defensive Behavior

The incident involving 69-year-old Karen Frye near Comstock, Wisconsin, is a pivotal event in the history of human-bear encounters in the state. While black bear attacks are statistically rare, this case provides a textbook example of a defensive encounter, likely triggered by a perceived threat to a sow (female bear) and her cub.

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Biography and Incident Profile: Karen Frye

• Victim: Karen Frye
• Age: 69 years old
• Location of Attack: Her rural residence near Comstock, Barron County, Northwestern Wisconsin.
• Date and Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, around 2:00 p.m. (CST).
• Circumstances: Attacked while outside in her backyard area. Initial reports suggest the presence of her dog, which may have contributed to the sow feeling threatened and triggering a defensive response.
• Bear Description: A black bear sow, accompanied by a cub.
• Injuries and Condition: Seriously injured and transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she was listed in stable condition. She was able to call 911 immediately following the attack.
• DNR Response: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) launched an intensive, two-week investigation, setting up live-traps and game cameras on the property in an effort to capture the specific bear involved.
• Outcome of Search: The DNR concluded its trapping efforts on July 28, 2025, without successfully locating or capturing the bear. The bear and cub were presumed to have moved out of the immediate area.

The attack took place in the afternoon at Frye’s rural property. The victim was seriously injured, highlighting the power and speed of the American Black Bear (*Ursus americanus*). Crucially, the DNR emphasized that this was a defensive action—a rare but predictable response when a sow believes her cub is in danger or when a bear is surprised at close range. True predatory attacks by black bears are virtually unheard of in Wisconsin's recorded history.

Understanding Wisconsin's Thriving Black Bear Population in 2025

The 2025 incident is not an isolated event but rather a symptom of a healthy, growing bear population that is increasingly expanding its range across the state. The DNR actively monitors these numbers to manage the bear hunting season and maintain ecological balance.

Key 2025 Black Bear Population Statistics

• Statewide Population Estimate: The Wisconsin DNR’s population models for the fall of 2025 estimated a robust black bear population of approximately 24,403 individuals.
• Range of Estimate: The full estimated range for the population was between 18,771 and 31,086 bears.
• Geographic Spread: While historically concentrated in the northern third of the state, bear sightings and encounters are becoming common throughout most of Wisconsin, including central and even parts of southern Wisconsin.
• Management Tool: The annual bear harvest (hunting season) is considered a vital tool by the DNR for supporting healthy bear populations and mitigating the potential for human-bear conflicts by managing density.

The sheer number of bears means that encounters, while still infrequent, are inevitable, particularly in areas like Barron County that border traditional bear habitats. This population data underscores the need for every resident and visitor in Wisconsin to become "bear aware."

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Essential Bear Safety Protocols: 5 Ways to Prevent an Encounter

The vast majority of human-bear conflicts are preventable. Black bears are primarily driven by food and will often travel great distances to find an easy meal. Removing these attractants is the single most effective strategy for coexisting with bears.

1. Secure All Garbage and Trash

Garbage is the number one attractant for bears. Use bear-resistant containers, or keep trash secured in a garage, shed, or other sturdy building until the morning of collection. Never leave garbage out overnight. Bears have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, making a full trash can an irresistible beacon.

2. Remove All Outdoor Food Sources

Bird feeders, pet food, and barbecue grills must be managed carefully. Bird feeders, especially those with suet or sunflower seeds, should be taken down from April through November, which is the bear’s active season. If you must use a feeder, the DNR recommends hanging them at least 10 feet from the ground and five feet out from any surface. Pet food should never be left outside, and grills should be cleaned thoroughly after each use and stored securely.

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3. Manage Compost Piles and Fruit Trees

Composting meat, fish, or sweets can attract bears. Keep compost piles away from your home and turn them frequently. If you have fruit trees, be diligent about picking up fallen fruit (groundfall) immediately, as fermenting fruit is a strong attractant for wildlife. This proactive habitat management reduces foraging opportunities.

4. Know What to Do During a Close Encounter

If you encounter a black bear, the goal is to show the bear you are a human and not prey. Never run. Stand your ground, speak in a low and calm voice, and slowly wave your arms to appear larger. Back away slowly, but do not make direct eye contact, as this can be interpreted as a challenge. If the bear is a sow with a cub, give them a wide berth and immediately leave the area. This is a critical lesson learned from the Comstock incident.

5. Carry Bear Spray in the Backcountry

For hikers, campers, and hunters in remote areas of Wisconsin, carrying EPA-approved bear spray (pepper spray) is highly recommended. It should be kept easily accessible—not stored in a backpack—and you should know how to use it. Bear spray is a proven, non-lethal deterrent that can stop an aggressive or charging bear.

The attack on Karen Frye in Barron County, while tragic, serves as a vital lesson in human-wildlife coexistence. By respecting the presence of the black bear and diligently adhering to these safety protocols, residents can significantly reduce the risk of a dangerous encounter with one of Wisconsin's most magnificent, yet powerful, creatures.