Black bear attacks Steamboat hiker and gets too close to his cub

A black bear attacked a hiker in Steamboat Springs on Tuesday, striking the hiker and knocking him to the ground.

At around 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, the victim reported to Colorado Parks and Wildlife that he had been attacked from behind by a black bear while traveling on the trail between Walton Creek Road and Mount Werner Circle near Steamboat Ski Resort, according to a news release Wednesday.

The unidentified hiker noticed a yearling cub on the trail ahead of him when it felt a blow from behind and was thrown to the ground, scraping its arm, the statement said.

With minimal injuries, the victim was able to complete his walk before receiving first aid, wildlife officials said Wednesday.

Local wildlife officials set up bear traps and posted signs to alert hikers to the increased bear activity. However, as of Wednesday, no bear had been caught in the traps, the release said.