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Bear Attack Victim Wants Change In New Mexico Wildlife Law

A New Mexico marathon runner who was attacked by a black bear is advocating to change the state law that forced wild officials to kill the animal.

Karen Williams tells the Santa Fe New Mexican that the female bear was acting on its protective instincts to defend its cubs when it charged and mauled her June 18 in the Valles Caldera National Preserve.

Williams, who was competing in a race when she was mauled, was treated at an Albuquerque hospital for bites, scratches and a fractured eye socket.

The black bear was tracked and killed by authorities. Its cubs have been taken to a wildlife center.

Willams says she sent a letter to the governor protesting the law that mandates euthanizing animals that attack humans. She also plans to petition the state Water and Natural Resources Committee.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.