The DNR offers the following advice to avoid black bear encounters: Minimize attractive food around your house or campsite, including keeping garbage cans secured. Never approach a bear. Don't play dead and don't run, instead slowly back away and don't turn your back on the bear.

A woman who was attacked and severely injured by a black bear over the weekend outside her western Wisconsin home had her condition upgraded Tuesday. Karen Frye, 69, was in serious condition, up from critical,