GROTON, NH — A 71-year-old woman is in the hospital with serious injuries after she encountered a black bear in her own home.
According to New Hampshire Fish and Game, Apryl Rogers, who uses a wheelchair, came face to face with the animal around 1:15 a.m on Tuesday in Groton.
She has serious facial and head lacerations and is currently in surgery.
Officials found damage inside the home of the encounter.
NH Fish and Game believe the bear became trapped inside the home and panicked while trying to escape.
They said there had been recent calls of a bear sighting in the neighborhood but they added that Rogers did not have any bird feeders or other items that would have attracted a bear to her house.
Fish and Game officers said they are searching for the bear. They are concerned it may have rabies.