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The Daniel Boone National Forest issued a temporary emergency closure of the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The closure resulted after a hiker was attacked by a black bear.

The closed area includes all national forest system lands north of Natural Bridge State Resort Park to U.S. Highway 460 in Menifee, Powell and Wolfe counties. The area will remain closed until further notice.

“Public safety is our highest priority,” said Forest Supervisor Frank Beum. “We are coordinating this temporary closure with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The officials with that agency will help us determine when the gorge can be reopened to the public.

“Anyone who sees a black bear in the Red River Gorge vicinity is encouraged to call 1-800-25-ALERT to report the sighting,” said Beum.

For more information about the closure, contact the Cumberland Ranger District at (606) 784-6428 or the Gladie Center at (606) 663-8100.

The attack happened around 2:30 p.m. Sunday along Tunnel Ridge Road. Witnesses tell LEX 18 that a few couples were walking along a trial when one of the men fell behind. When the others turned around to check on him, a black bear was standing in front of him. Witnesses say the man picked up a stick and the bear attacked. The others ran up and began hitting the bear with their backpacks.

The man's leg was mauled and he was taken to the hospital in Irvine. He was later transported to UK Hospital. He was released Monday.

Black Bear Safety Tips
• Never approach a black bear.
• If you happen upon a bear, don’t run. Back away slowly in the opposite direction.
• Never hike alone; always hike with a group.
• When camping, store food inside a bear-proof container or inside your vehicle. Never store food inside your tent.

For more safety tips, visit www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/safety/critters/bearsafe.shtml or http://fw.ky.gov/blackbearencounter.asp.