The preliminary findings of the investigation, which include information coming from the family, suggest the bear “exhibited a sustained series of aggressive behaviors” toward Frye, the DNR said.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is investigating a black bear attack that occurred Saturday in Barron County, where a 69-year-old woman sustained severe injuries.

Local DNR officials stated that once they began searching for the bear, they found a cub located in a tree, meaning this could be a scenario regarding a mother protecting her young.