RUEDI CAMPER BITTEN BY BEAR
ASPEN (AP) – Wildlife officials say an adult black bear scratched its way into a tent and bit a man on his forearm at a campground on the eastern end of Ruedi Reservoir near Aspen. The man, whose name has not been released, whacked the bear with his free arm to scare it off and was treated at a nearby hospital for two puncture wounds. Wildlife officers set a trap for the bear, which will be killed if it is captured.
DANGEROUS YEAR ON COLORADO RIVERS
DENVER (AP) – Rapidly melting snow is sending Colorado’s rivers tumbling from the mountains, so far claiming the lives of at least 11 people. It’s also prompting some rafting companies to seek calmer rapids and stock extra safety gear. Last year, 17 people died in boating accidents, surpassing Colorado’s average of 10 a year. But the deaths haven’t dampened the attraction of the state’s whitewater rafting industry, which drew about half a million people last year and had an economic impact of $160.1 million. David Costlow, director of the Colorado Outfitters Association, says having so few deaths with so many people running the rapids amounts to “a hell of a record.” The deaths this year include nine kayakers and rafters, a man tubing near Pueblo and a fisherman swept away in Boulder Creek.
HANTAVIRUS CLAIMS LIFE OF GREELEY MAN
GREELEY (AP) – Health officials say a south Weld County man has died after contracting hantavirus. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment announced the man, whose name has not been released, died after he apparently contracted the disease while repairing his home. Investigators say he was working in an enclosed space in the presence of rodent droppings.
