A campground above Altadena remained closed Sunday as authorities searched for a bear that injured a camper in a close encounter, officials said.
"It ripped open the tent with its paw, and actually struck the camper in the head," said Lt. J.C. Healy of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The small bear pushed through a tent at the Millard Campground in the Angeles National Forest at about 9:50 p.m. Friday, Healy said.
A man inside the tent had been looking at his iPad when his tent fell down on him, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Altadena Station said. Deputies said the bear appeared to be attempting to open the tent when he scratched the man on his forehead.
The man was taken to a hospital and received 18 stitches to close the wound, deputies said.
Two other campers saw the bear, described to be about 120 pounds, running away from the area. The man did not know he was injured until he felt blood dripping on his face, deputies said.
The campground and hiking area just above Altadena was evacuated. The Millard Campground will be closed for at least two days as wildlife officials search for the animal.
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Deputies said the bear will be put down once it's caught.
The camper was released from the hospital late Sunday afternoon.
