ALAMOSA, Colo. — Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) said a woman was rescued after getting chased by a bear and separated from her hiking buddy near Zapata Falls on Aug. 12.
In a Facebook post, AVSAR said they got a call about a missing hiker on Aug. 12. The caller said the hiker – a young, out of state woman who wasn't prepared to stay a night in the wilderness – wanted to climb out of Zapata Falls and explore above the falls. Her hiking partner told AVSAR she wasn't comfortable with that, so she stayed behind.
According to AVSAR, the missing hiker was also a type 1 diabetic who relies on an insulin pump. Her phone and insulin pump both had depleted batteries and were unable to be reached remotely.
AVSAR said they began searching for the hiker immediately, given her diabetes, the rugged terrain, the threat of impending weather and the limited information the team had about where she was.
That day, AVSAR began a multi-agency mobilization. AVSAR said its ground teams scoured the Zapata falls area within a one-mile radius from the falls. The Alamosa County Sheriff's Office helped search the neighboring campsites and ranches.
The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center's cell phone forensics team began research, and the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control's multi mission aircraft searched Zapata falls and the surrounding areas.
A Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) law enforcement ranger used a drone to search for the majority of the afternoon until it got too dark to continue. The CPW ranger saw a bear behaving peculiarly near the missing hiker's last known location and watched it until nightfall.
After 10 hours of searching with no results, AVSAR said all teams were recalled to base to regroup and reevaluate the search. Overnight, teams kept trying to find the hiker using cell phone forensics and other technologically based methods.
Teams got back to the search at 5:30 a.m. the next day. Using the resources of Colorado Search and Rescue Association, the statewide agency that monitors search and rescue operations across the state, AVSAR said it was able to use two Fremont County search dog teams in the search.
AVSAR said it also received support from multiple search and rescue team members from Chaffee County. A team from the South Fork Fire and Swift Water Rescue team was called in to canyoneer and rappel multiple treacherous waterfall canyons with steep cliffside faces and dive any pools of water to investigate under rocks and other obstructions in the hopes of finding the missing hiker.
The hiker was found at about 11 a.m. thanks to the red hoodie she had with her. AVSAR said teams were deployed to the area, which was outside the initial search range ring, to get to her. Initial contact was made by Eddy, one of the Fremont County search dogs and "certified good boi," the post said.
The lost hiker told rescue teams she ran into a large black bear face-to-face after separating from her partner. AVSAR said she told them she and the bear were about two meters away from each other.
The hiker told AVSAR she was charged and chased for a short distance, and then she said she kept running farther up the mountain in a panic, where she quickly got lost and disoriented.
Despite her harrowing ordeal, AVSAR said the hiker was only sunburnt and dehydrated. AVSAR said she had brought a bottle of 50 glucose pills to sustain her and manage her diabetes. The hiker told AVSAR she only had two pills left when she was rescued.
Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue came up with a list of lessons to be learned from this mission:
- Wear bright colors while recreating in the backcountry. Without the hiker's red hoodie, she may have never been seen.
- If you become lost in the wilderness, STAY PUT. Do not attempt to continue farther into dangerous terrain. The farther you venture from your last known position, the more difficult it becomes for rescuers to find you.
- Make sure to always carry the 10 essentials, even if you're only planning on a short day hike: An ample supply of personal medication, more than you think you may need. Some sort of emergency blanket for warmth, a signaling device, and a fire starter. If you need a rescue in the backcountry, starting a smoky fire is the easiest way for rescuers to find you. Alternatively, if you have a glow stick and string, swinging it around in a circle above your head is a surefire way to be spotted by a helicopter.
- Be "bear aware." Know the characteristics and behavior of local wildlife along with not panicking during encounters. The black bears of the Sangre de Christo range are primarily scavengers, and while they may chase you off from their territory, they are highly unlikely to pursue or hunt you. Carry bear spray to use in defense as a last resort.
Alamosa Volunteer Search and rescue is a registered nonprofit and relies on the dedication and selflessness of its volunteer team members. To support the efforts of their volunteers, click here.
