Women Viciously Attacked By Bear Speaks Out

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Karen Osborne is thankful to be alive, but is faulting state wild life officials for not doing more about the problem bear.

"I really feel like there was an angel on my shoulder that evening. I truly do," said Osborne.

Karen survived the first bear attack in modern Maryland history, and described the terrifying encounter for the first time. Her dog was barking and she went outside to see why.

"I heard horrendous growling, and turned around and the bear came out and grabbed my face and threw me to the ground and came around behind me and grabbed my arm and bit it in half literally, and then pinned me to the ground. I was not going to be able to get away."

She says if she didn't have her cell phone she'd probably be dead.

"A bear just attacked me -- what attacked you? A bear, and it's still here. Please help me," she said during the 911 call.

People said you were so calm and collected, I said no, that was resolve. I knew I was dying. I was bleeding out. I could feel my energy leaving me.

The bear was a well-known nuisance in the neighborhood. Injured, she got closer and closer to home to look for food for her cubs. Karen faults state wild life officials for just tagging and releasing her in response to complaints.

"They had a responsibility to remove the bear. Once they found the bear was coming too close to humans. I feel that was a negligent decision," she said.

Karen has a long recovery ahead, but she'll never forget being mauled as long as she lives.

"I'm very thankful. I didn't think I'd see another day. I really didn't."

The department of natural resources tells WJZ they followed all proper protocols when handling the bear, and they're glad Karen is on the field.

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